Extreme Care Required for Mountain Users

MEDIA RELEASE: New Zealand Mountain Safety Council
21 June 2013

Extreme Care Required for Mountain Users

Following the severe weather events of the past few days, the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council is recommending that people take extreme care before heading into the mountains and ensure that weather and avalanche conditions have improved.

Avalanche & Alpine Programme Manager, Andrew Hobman says that the main concern is that skiers will head into the back-country once the weather clears, but that the avalanche risk will remain high.

‘People will naturally want to get out and enjoy all the new snow but they need to be aware that the avalanche risk will remain high for a few days,’ said Mr Hobman.

The gale-force winds, heavy rain and snow over the South Island and lower half of the North Island will make outdoor conditions treacherous. Most mountain areas in the South Island are on level 4- HIGH avalanche danger rating and the North Island regions are on level 3 – Considerable rating, both of which require a high level of avalanche skill for backcountry travel.

‘Ski areas spend a lot of time making their fields safe from avalanches but as soon as people leave the boundary they are on their own,’ said Mr Hobman.

‘If you are planning on heading into the mountains over the next week , make sure you KNOW BEFORE YOU GO. Always check both weather conditions and avalanche conditions at www.avalanche.net.nz and make sure that your skill level matches the conditions.’

When venturing into the outdoors the Mountain Safety Council advises everyone to follow the five simple rules of the Outdoor Safety Code. The Code and information about outdoor safety can be found on the Mountain Safety Council’s website www.mountainsafety.org.nz.

Updates on snow and avalanche conditions can be found at www.avalanche.net.nz.

ENDS

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