Upcoming events during winter 2021
The winter season has officially begun in New Zealand, and it's shaping up to be an exciting one for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The snowpacks in Mt Hutt and the upper elevation areas of the Aoraki/Mt Cook region have had a promising start, setting the stage for a great winter.
However, the season also brings its fair share of challenges, particularly for those venturing into the backcountry. In May, five New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) forecast regions were on 'High' danger, highlighting the need for vigilance and preparedness.
For those planning to explore the backcountry, it's essential to equip yourself with the right knowledge and tools. Proper training and checking the forecast provide the foundation for creating a hypothesis about field conditions. It's crucial to test this hypothesis in the field and look for signs of instability.
Fortunately, resources are available to help. The online avalanche course on the NZAA website offers a comprehensive introduction to avalanche types, factors, and risk reduction in avalanche terrain. Additionally, the NZAA's Instagram account, @nzavalancheadvisory, is a must-follow for winter backcountry users, providing regular updates and useful tips.
Avalanche safety videos are also available, teaching essential skills such as crossing rivers safely. One such video focuses on river crossing techniques, offering invaluable advice for navigating potentially dangerous situations.
Tom, the Alpine Partnerships Advisor, is another valuable resource. He encourages anyone with queries or stories to share during the season to reach out to him.
Snow is even forecast to reach as low as 300m in Wellington, indicating that the winter weather is spreading across the country. However, it's important to note that not all regions have been as fortunate. Many other regions have been left wanting in terms of snow.
The NZAA Public Observations tool on avalanche.net.nz has been updated, allowing users to contribute their observations and experiences. This tool is crucial for understanding the conditions on the ground and identifying any trends or patterns.
The final review of avalanche incidents in New Zealand was conducted by an organization involved in disaster risk reduction. While the specific organization's name is not explicitly mentioned, the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) is a key UN agency coordinating disaster risk reduction efforts globally, which may include such reviews.
To further promote safety awareness, the Public Observations competition for 2021 has been rebooted with new prizes. This competition encourages users to submit their observations and engage with the NZAA's efforts to improve safety in the backcountry.
As the winter season progresses, the key message remains the same: have training, gear, and check the forecast at avalanche.net.nz. By staying informed and prepared, we can all enjoy a safe and enjoyable winter season.
