Avalanche warning from DoC School Works

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 10, Issue 449, 18 August 1992, Page 11

Avalanche warning from DoC School Works

The Department of Conservation warns people venturing into the back country of Tongariro National Park that avalanche activity is highly likely in the park over at least the next Two days. Back country travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended. Slopes lee to the west and south west winds should be

avoided completely. The skifield operators monitor avalanche hazard within the fields and either close dangerous areas to skiers or use control measures to make open areas safe for skiers. The skifields are only controlled in the areas they have open for skiing. Closed areas or out of operating hours they should be treated as

back country terrain. In general care should be taken on steep slopes, gullies and slopes where the wind has deposited snow. "People will still travel in the back country in spite of warnings," said Senior Conservation Officer Lianne Campbell. "All we can do is advise them of the risk.

Ultimately if a person decides to leave a controlled area, they must take the responsifeilities for their action." Anyone going into the back country is advised to carry avalanche transceivers, probes and shovels in case a member of their group is caught in an avalanche. Avalanche control

with explosives is undertaken at times on the skifields during periods of avalanche hazard. Anyone planning on snow caving within the ski area boundaries shbuld contact the ski patrol first to make sure their intended site is safe. The department issues avalanche warnings only when conditions are noticeably extreme or high but says that people must realise snow hazards exist at other times, Further information and up to date weather and track details can be obtained from the Whakapapa Visitor Centre which is open seven days.

A number of deferred works projects for local schools have been approved for cOmpletion in the 1992-93 year. The Ministry of Education announced a programme involving projects for 60 King Country schools, which did not rely on asset saies. Work could begin immediately, said a press release. Projects approved include: exterior repainting and Pipiriki Schooi; interior decorating of the middle block at Raetihi Schooi; replacing the chimney and interior decorating at Rangataua Schooi;

drinking fountains, interior decorating, r^furbishment of laboratory Room 5, floor coverings, and redecorating access corridor at Ruapehu College. At National Park Schooi- replace flooring in Rooms 1&2, replace kitchen bumer, TV aerial bracket, exterior repaint; at Ohakune Primary Schooi replace 'spring loads' replace sliding doors, new vinyl in sick bay, replace Nova roof; at Orautoha Schooi a new incinerator ; and Owhango Schooi upgrade toilet floor, replace urinal cistern, replace Nova roof.