Avalanches serve as a prompt for snow enthusiasts to stay prepared
With the winter season well underway, backcountry alpine adventurers in New Zealand are being urged to prioritise avalanche safety, particularly during periods of increased snowfall and heightened avalanche activity. To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the backcountry, here are key safety recommendations and available resources.
## Safety Advice for Backcountry Alpine Travel
Before embarking on any backcountry adventure, it is essential to check the latest Avalanche Forecast provided by the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA). This critical information offers insights into current and anticipated avalanche conditions, including the danger rating and specific avalanche problems.
Understanding key avalanche terms, such as avalanche size, slope angle, aspect, triggers, and terrain traps, is also crucial to better interpret forecasts and identify hazards.
Adopting safe travel techniques, such as group travel protocols, minimising exposure to avalanche terrain, and maintaining visual contact between group members, is another important factor.
Backcountry travellers should always carry essential equipment, including an avalanche transceiver, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them. Recognising and avoiding terrain features that increase avalanche risk, such as steep slopes, convexities, and terrain traps, is also vital.
When avalanche danger is elevated, it is essential to make conservative decisions and avoid steep, wind-loaded, or overhead hazard slopes. Recognising and reacting to signs of instability, such as natural avalanche activity, cracking snow, and recent wind-loading, is crucial.
## Resources for Avalanche Forecasting and Safety Training
The NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) is a vital source of information for backcountry users, including skiers, snowboarders, mountaineers, trampers, and hunters. Available online at avalanche.net.nz, the NZAA provides up-to-date avalanche forecasts and danger ratings for the main alpine regions in New Zealand.
To further promote avalanche and alpine education, the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) has released a 23-part avalanche safety video series called Avalanche Tips and Terms. This series covers essential knowledge to navigate New Zealand's dynamic and often challenging alpine terrain.
The MSC also offers online avalanche awareness courses and encourages participation in hands-on avalanche training with trusted providers. A comprehensive User’s Guide to Understanding the NZ Avalanche Advisory is also available to help backcountry users effectively use information from the NZAA for safety.
The MSC emphasises the importance of monitoring conditions throughout a trip for safety, and advises getting avalanche training from a recognised provider before an alpine backcountry trip.
Staying informed and prepared is essential for safe backcountry travel, especially during periods of increased snowfall and avalanche activity in New Zealand’s alpine regions. The MSC's goal is to support people to enjoy the backcountry safely this winter. Backcountry alpine adventurers are encouraged to check the avalanche forecast before a trip and to make informed decisions based on current conditions for a safe and enjoyable experience.
In the realm of home-and-garden-inspired outdoor-living, one could imagine a backcountry cabin, where sports enthusiasts often take refuge from the winter chill. To guarantee a secure and exciting alpine experience, one should always consult the latest Avalanche Forecast provided by the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) before venturing into the backcountry.
