Nearby Avalanches Reinforce Importance of Caution
Headline: Avalanche Safety Remains Crucial for New Zealand Backcountry Skiers and Snowboarders
Subheadline: Three avalanches occurred near ski fields over the weekend, emphasizing the importance of being prepared and responsible
As winter sets in and snow-covered mountains beckon, hikers and trampers venturing into New Zealand's backcountry skiing and snowboarding terrain are reminded to prioritize safety. A series of avalanches over the weekend serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers that lie beyond the patrolled ski area boundaries.
On Saturday, a skier in a party of three triggered a persistent slab avalanche in the Craigieburn Range, Canterbury, not far outside the Porters ski area. Similarly, on the same day, a snowboarder in a party of three triggered a persistent slab avalanche outside the Fox Peak ski area in the Mackenzie Region. Thankfully, no injuries were reported in these incidents, despite several close calls.
Persistent slabs are difficult-to-detect layers buried deep within a snowpack that often behave unpredictably. The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) identified a range of avalanche problems for the weekend, including persistent slabs.
To minimize risks, skiers and snowboarders are advised to carry and know how to use avalanche safety equipment, such as a transceiver, shovel, and probe. Dressing in layers including thermal leggings, waterproof parka with hood, wool hat or balaclava, waterproof gloves, and sun protection like a buff or sun hat, is also essential. Maintaining visual contact with all members in avalanche terrain is crucial to minimize risk.
Before and during the trip, it's essential to check the NZ avalanche forecast. Conditions can rapidly change, and checking the forecast daily as part of trip planning is vital. The NZAA provides daily avalanche forecasts for 13 backcountry alpine regions around Aotearoa. For example, the Queenstown region forecast shows current snow and avalanche conditions and warnings.
Those venturing beyond the patrolled ski area boundaries need to take responsibility for assessing the terrain, understanding snow conditions, and making safe decisions. Skiing within the ski field boundary means you're within a controlled environment where ski patrols monitor and manage avalanche danger. In contrast, skiing in the backcountry is an uncontrolled, wild environment, where avalanche hazards are not actively managed.
The MSC is reminding skiers and snowboarders to adopt backcountry precautions when leaving a patrolled ski area. Respecting hut etiquette, carrying essentials like a headlamp and blister kit, and considering hiring or owning proper boots and touring gear are additional tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
On Sunday, the Turoa ski patrol on Mt Ruapehu reported signs of an avalanche outside the ski area, prompting a search operation. The avalanche in the Mackenzie Region was 250-metre-long and 50-metre-wide. The search operation involved the use of avalanche transceivers, RECCO detector, and the local Search and Rescue Dogs Avalanche team. After a comprehensive search, no one was found, and the search was concluded.
In conclusion, responsibly venturing into New Zealand backcountry skiing and snowboarding requires appropriate avalanche safety gear, proper clothing, group awareness, observing backcountry etiquette, and using updated NZAA avalanche forecasts available at avalanche.net.nz to assess current risks. As the winter season unfolds, the message remains clear: People heading into the New Zealand back country this winter are encouraged to get the forecast, get the training, and get the gear.
Sports enthusiasts venturing into New Zealand's backcountry for skiing or snowboarding must prioritize avalanche safety, given the recent occurrence of three avalanches over the weekend. To ensure maximum safety, it's essential to carry and know how to use avalanche safety equipment, dress appropriately, maintain group awareness, and check the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast daily.
