aoraki_mt_cook_photo_by_peter_mcintosh_4cdcdadbca_578a8c28c7.jpg Aoraki/Mt Cook is one of a number of mountain ranges to stay off due to the risk of avalanche. Photo Peter McIntoshSnow enthusiasts are being urged to stay away from the mountains across the country over the next few days, after the New Zealand Mountain Safety Council reported high avalanche danger ratings. MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said avalanche danger levels had reached a winter season high following a recent storm system, which delivered significant amounts of new snow. It was not common that eight out of 12 avalanche forecasting regions were classified as ‘‘high’’ avalanche danger, and the remaining four as ‘‘considerable’’. A high danger level indicated very dangerous avalanche conditions, and travel was not recommended because natural and human-triggered avalanches were likely.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 16, 2021 22:41 UTC