Windfall clearance and track repair work is well under way on the Milford Track following the recent storm, but the avalanche hazard is still too high to safely allow work at some bridge sites.
In a statement, Doc operations director southern South Island Aaron Fleming said until the avalanche risk had substantially decreased, the bridges could not be reinstalled.
"We have rangers from outside the region on the ground helping with the recovery.
"Safety is always our number one priority and right now the risk is too high. Staff are seeing daily avalanches in the upper Clinton, with heavy snow loads beginning to melt. As well as a risk to people, it wouldn’t make sense to install a bridge directly in the path of a predictable avalanche."
Staff are still working towards a November 19 reopening for the Milford Track. It will be in direct contact with booked hikers if further delays are expected.
The alpine sections of the Kepler and Routeburn tracks remain closed until snow and avalanche conditions improve.
The Doc website continues to be updated regularly as new information comes to light, and Doc will continue to notify people booked of any delays or closures, Mr Fleming said.
"Anyone heading backcountry into alpine areas should be aware of the heightened avalanche risk following the late spring snowfall. It’s not just Great Walks impacted.
"It’s not the start of the summer hiking season we’d hoped for, but we are working hard to get things up and running for people to get back out naturing as soon as possible and we’d like to thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
Meanwhile heavy rain may force the Milford Rd to close on Sunday.
MetService has issued a watch for Fiordland north of Doubtful Sound, as an active front was expected to bring heavy rain from 9pm on Sunday until noon on Monday.
Showers were forecast for the Homer Tunnel area from Friday until Tuesday, with heavy rain expected to fall on Monday.
— Allied Media
