Severe Avalanche Risks Impress as Haunting in Southern Lakes
In the Queenstown and Wanaka regions of New Zealand, a heightened avalanche risk has been reported due to the development of an early season persistent weak layer (PWL) in the snowpack. This weak layer, which can be composed of surface hoar, facets, or depth hoar, resists forming a strong bond to neighbouring grains over an extended period.
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) is reminding backcountry users not to underestimate the 'spooky' snowpack conditions in the Southern Lakes area. The current avalanche danger in the Queenstown region is moderate, and the conditions are described as 'a little spooky'.
In the last week, there has been a significant increase in activity around the Southern Lakes, particularly out of bounds from The Remarkables Ski Area. This activity has resulted in two large avalanches being triggered by backcountry users. On Wednesday, a large size 2.5 avalanche was triggered behind The Remarkables Ski Area, which carried one skier but resulted in no injuries. The avalanche was 250m wide.
The NZAA is encouraging people to submit public observations via the NZAA website to share knowledge and any activity in the mountains. This is especially important during the early winter season when data is scarce. The NZAA forecasters will update the 13 regional forecasts at avalanche.net.nz on a daily basis, or as conditions change and new information becomes available.
Backcountry users are advised to be mentally prepared to assess the conditions and be prepared to turn back. They are reminded of the need for a high degree of caution and vigilance in the current conditions. Human-triggered avalanches are possible at this danger level.
Hikers and trampers can find the avalanche forecast under alerts on Plan My Walk. Backcountry users are also advised to ensure they have avalanche rescue equipment and know how to use it, and to go with a buddy.
These events serve as a reminder of the need for a high degree of caution and vigilance in the current conditions. The current warning is also a good reminder for ice climbers and mountaineers, as triggering even a small pocket of wind slab avalanche could result in a fall in difficult terrain.
The avalanche researchers working around Queenstown who described the current snow conditions as 'a bit spooky' have not been specifically named in publicly available sources. Nonetheless, their warning is a clear indication of the need for increased safety measures in the backcountry.
The public can help the NZAA forecasters by sharing observations during the early winter season when data is scarce. By working together, we can ensure a safer backcountry experience for all.
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