The Mountain Safety Council is urging backcountry skiers and snowboarders to “exercise extreme caution” this weekend after avalanches earlier this week.
On Wednesday, a person died in an avalanche in the Arrowsmith Range. On Monday, a skier was dug out from under a metre of snow in another incident near Wānaka’s Treble Cone.
“MSC is reminding backcountry enthusiasts not to allow the good weather and excitement of fresh snow to hinder good decision-making this weekend,” the organisation said in a statement.
“We have a unique combination of a complex snowpack, incoming fine weather and anticipated high interest in backcountry skiing and snowboarding. This has prompted our special warning for extra caution,” Mountain Safety Council (MSC) chief executive Mike Daisley explained.
“In the current high uncertainty, high consequence environment, the best course of action is to avoid avalanche terrain entirely, unless you have carried out a thorough investigation and have full confidence in the stability of the snowpack.”
According to MSC, an intense and prolonged cycle of westerly storm systems has delivered significant snowfall to alpine areas throughout the South Island since the beginning of September.
This has been accompanied by high winds and fluctuating freezing levels.
“As a result of unseasonal, extended spring storm systems, we now have a highly complex and rapidly changing snowpack throughout most of the Southern Alps,” Daisley said.
“The storm systems, which are far from typical for this time of year in New Zealand, have created a variable and challenging snowpack. With this recent changeable weather, comes the potential for dangerous weak layers within the snowpack, which can persist for days after the last snowfall.
“The recent serious avalanche incidents, in both the Wānaka and mid-Canterbury backcountry, highlight the substantial dangers associated with backcountry travel in avalanche terrain at present.”
Daisley recommended backcountry snow enthusiasts stay updated with the latest avalanche advisory on their region by following NZAA Instagram or by monitoring the MSC’s avalanche advisory website.
“This is a time for seriously heightened awareness and care in the backcountry. Proper preparation and informed decision-making are critical.”