Home / Weather / South Island Buried: Avalanche Danger Soars
South Island Buried: Avalanche Danger Soars
28 Aug
Summary
- Heavy snow closed roads and triggered severe avalanche warnings.
- Major avalanche risk in multiple South Island alpine regions.
- People urged to avoid backcountry due to dangerous conditions.
Heavy snowfall has impacted the South Island, causing state highways to close and severe avalanche warnings to be issued. State Highway 94 to Milford Sound remains closed due to snow and avalanche risk, with expectations of large avalanches reaching valley floors in several areas. Multiple alpine regions, including Arthur's Pass, Aoraki Mount Cook, and Queenstown, are under high avalanche danger warnings.
Authorities are strongly advising against any backcountry travel for hunters, trampers, skiers, and snowboarders due to treacherous and unstable snowpack conditions. The danger extends beyond high alpine terrain, as avalanches could potentially affect lower-lying paths and tracks. Heavy rain warnings are also in effect for Westland and other parts of the South Island, with rivers experiencing moderately high flows and expected to rise further.
