There have been some serious avalanches in NZ recently with tragic consequences.  Cardrona maintains an avalanche ski patrol team of 12 people that carry out regular monitoring and control work of avalanche paths within the resort area boundary.

Cardrona has 3 advisory signage boards to advise backcountry users of the current level of danger.  Over the past 9 days the risk of avalanche has been high. This indicates that there is a strong probability that an avalanche could be triggered by people on steeper slopes in these non monitored areas.

Cardrona has recorded 72cms of new snow recently and strong westerly winds have transported snow leaving pockets and deposits up to a metre and a half deep in places. Cold temperatures have contributed to weak layers being retained in the snow pack.  Over the last 9 days the patrol avalanche team has used 120 kilos of explosives during early morning control work. This has triggered around 15 controlled releases of avalanches that were large enough to have injured people.

While conditions remain so unsettled we are strongly advising people to avoid the backcountry unless they have significant knowledge and equipment including transceivers, shovels and probes. Skiing and riding should be limited to low angle terrain. It should also be noted that all in the party need to be suitably equipped and touring alone is to be avoided. You can also call into Patrol for more advice.

Enjoy all this fantastic new snow!  But remember to stay in bounds and stay safe.

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