Winter 2021 Lineup: Here's What You Can Expect
The winter season has officially begun in New Zealand, and with it comes the call for backcountry travellers to prioritise safety.
While the thrill of exploring the untouched snowy landscapes is undeniable, it's essential to remember that the biggest hazard for would-be travellers lies not on the slopes, but on the roads. Driving in winter conditions can be just as dangerous, if not more so, than navigating avalanche terrain.
For those venturing into avalanche territory, the key message remains the same: have the right training, the necessary gear, and always check the forecast at avalanche.net.nz. Enrolling in an Online Avalanche Course can provide valuable insights into avalanche types, factors, and risk reduction in avalanche terrain.
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA), involved in avalanche safety and research in the country, is conducting a new study on avalanche accidents in New Zealand from 1999 to 2018. While the precise organization name may not be explicitly mentioned in the search results, it is likely tied to or supported by the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council (NZMSC) or related local avalanche safety organisations.
This season, the Public Observations competition has been rebooted with several prizes. Southern Approach NZ and Kingswood Skis are supporting this initiative in 2021. The NZAA Public Observations tool on avalanche.net.nz has also been updated.
Proper training and checking the forecast equip you with the ability to create hypotheses about field conditions. However, it's your responsibility to test these hypotheses in the field and look for signs of instability. Assessing conditions and recognising warning signs are crucial, even with proper training and forecast checking.
The @nzavalancheadvisory Instagram channel is a must-follow for important updates, highlighted public observations, tips and tricks, and other content relevant to any winter backcountry user. Watching avalanche safety videos can also provide useful tips, such as crossing rivers safely.
Snowpacks in Mt Hutt and the upper elevation areas of Aoraki/Mt Cook region have had a good start for winter. There is even snow forecast down to 300m in Wellington. However, many other regions have been left wanting for snow.
Remember, safety should always be your top priority. Find a course provider to continue learning in avalanche safety, and always err on the side of caution. It's better to be safe than sorry.
For any stories or questions this season, you can get in touch with Tom or share your experiences. Let's make this winter season a safe and memorable one!
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