20 Oct 2012

Major avalanche risk

6:34 am on 20 October 2012

The Department of Conservation is warning of the risks of major avalanches in the South Island back country. Trampers and walkers are advised to be extra vigilant.

DoC says much of the snow which arrived in the past few weeks around western Otago could be unstable.

Trampers are advised not to cross the Western Saddle on the Routeburn Track.

There are also unstable snow conditions along alpine sections of the Rees-Dart Track, including the Cascade Saddle.

DoC advises that only very experienced trampers should tackle these walks at this time.