Snowy October Warrants Continuous Avalanche Warning

Headline: New Zealand Avalanche Advisory Issues Warnings for Multiple Regions

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) has issued warnings for several regions, advising caution for those venturing into avalanche-prone areas. The Southern Alps have been heavily blanketed with snow this week, and the current conditions have raised the avalanche danger level to 'moderate' for Mt Hutt and Two Thumbs, while Taranaki remains at 'low'.

Spring is an active time for avalanches, and the public is encouraged to exercise caution and be mindful of the terrain they're in. Even a small avalanche could be dangerous, and travelling safely in avalanche terrain requires the right skills, equipment, and forecast.

Ten regions in New Zealand have 'considerable' avalanche danger, including Queenstown, Aspiring, Ohau, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Craigieburn Range, Nelson Lakes, Arthur's Pass, Wanaka, Fiordland Tongariro, and Mt Hutt. This means that dangerous avalanche conditions exist, and conservative decision making is essential.

The regions with 'considerable' danger are not the only areas of concern, however. The avalanche advisory should be closely monitored, as forecasting for all 13 regions is still underway. It's important to note that even when the avalanche forecast is 'low' danger, it doesn't mean 'no' avalanches are possible.

Regions won't close until the risk of avalanches has reduced further, but the public is encouraged to submit public observations of avalanches and snowpack conditions at avalanche.net.nz.

Between 1999 and 2018, 40% of avalanche fatalities in New Zealand occurred between November to April, highlighting the importance of safety precautions during this period. Ski touring remains very popular during this time, and it's essential to remember that any time the mountains receive large amounts of fresh snow, there needs to be a grace period for it to settle.

For any other queries, contact Communications Advisor Rebekah Wilson at [email address redacted for privacy]. More information can be found at the provided links. It's important to note that the current leader of Mountaineering New Zealand is not specified in the provided search results, and the last recorded avalanche fatality in New Zealand is not mentioned in the provided information either.

Aoraki/Mt Cook forecasting continues all year round, and October through to January is mountaineering season in key alpine regions like Aoraki/Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring. Stay safe and enjoy the snow!