Schools warned about mountains

Ruapehu Bulletin, 10 November 1992, Page 7

Schools warned about mountains

Secondary School Trustees Associations have received a warning from the Department of Conservation to take special care if planning alpine trips this spring. In particular, the department is concerned about conditions on the Tongariro Crossing, which is a popular one

day or two day trip with school parties at this time of the year. The Deputy Director General for Conservation, Peter Bygate issued the notice to secondary schools today. Mr Bygate said the extraordinarily severe winter has left dangerous conditions in the moun-

tains. In some areas it is expected that snow and ice hazards will continue through to January next year. The situation is especially serious on the Tongariro Crossing in Tongariro National Park, but many mountainous areas elsewhere in New Zealand are also affected.

Hazards include spring avalanche conditions: icy conditions requiring ice axe and crampons: deep and difficult drifts of soft snow and buried track markers. The department is advising any group leaders planning alpine trips to contact them to get up to date advise on track conditions.

Conditions can change rapidly in alpine environments and groups will need to be prepared and take additional care Mr Bygate said. Turangi Senior Conservation Officer Lianne Campbell said that DoC does not want to stop people going into alpine areas. "However we do want the public to be prepared for the severity of conditions they could encounter, People need to be aware of hazards, have the right clothing and if required, be experienced in the use of ice axe and crampons," she said. Groups or individuals planning trips in Tongariro National Park can contact Doc staff at either Whakapapa, Turangi or Ohakune for up to date information.