Avalanche warning

Guide Cam Walker  (front) and client Ben McDonald, of Queensland, traverse the eastern face of...
Guide Cam Walker (front) and client Ben McDonald, of Queensland, traverse the eastern face of Single Cone, the Remarkables range's highest point, in stable snow conditions last week. Snow forecast for today could set up avalanche conditions in the region. PHOTO: CHRIS PRUDDEN
Heavy snowfall in the Southern Lakes mountains last month has raised the danger of avalanches this winter, a veteran Queenstown mountain guide says.

With snow expected down to 400m in the region today, Alpine Cliff Rescue team co-leader Chris Prudden is warning climbers and back-country skiers to be prepared.

The Remarkables range had the deepest May snowpack he had seen for years.

''Any subsequent snowfalls now are going to be sitting on old snow, which generates the possibility of an avalanche.''

Warmer temperatures in the past few days would have left the snowpack saturated, heightening the risk.

''When we get layering of different types of snow and the cohesion is not good, that definitely sets up avalanche conditions.

''Back-country enthusiasts and climbers should be carrying avalanche transceivers, a probe and shovel and be versed in their use for self-rescue.''

Although Queenstown had the most ''continental'' climate in the country, it still sat in a temperate zone with changeable temperatures and wind.

''The snowpack stability is generally a reflection of the weather - when the weather changes so does the snow - so back-country travellers must always be on guard.''

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