Storms set up ski slopes, but disrupt Central Plateau

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 12, Issue 538, 12 July 1994, Page 1

Storms set up ski slopes, but disrupt Central Plateau

It was a case of snow, snow every where and not a run to ski last week as the central North Island was the target of dump after dump of snow during the busy mid-term holiday break. Best snow base on record for Whakapapa Whakapapa Ski Area is waiting for a break in the weather to enjoy the unsurpassed snow conditions. Staff say the field currently has the most snow on record for this time of year. Marketing assistant Rachel Ward said the field' s 180cm snow base has well and truly broken the previous years record of 1 50cm. Compare this figure to other year' s bases of 50cm for the same time, and it adds up to fantastic skiing, she said. "If they weren't clearing the road you could ski from theTop 'O The Bruce to the Chateau, then halfway to National Park." While heavy snow and strong winds kept the upper field on hold for the most part of last week, Whakapapa' s Happy Valley facilities were operational. The scheduled Primo Taupo Winterfest activities were held 3-4 July and were well attended. Skiers at Whakapapa enjoyed clear skies and brilliant snow conditions early in the week, with hard packed snow on-trail and windpacked powderoff-trail. Chains were an essential piece of equipment on the Bruce Road due to black ice. While worsening weather kept the skiers off the field, there was plenty happening on the apres ski scene, both on and off the mountain. Visitors were entertained at Lorenz's Cafe and Bar at the Top 'O The Bruce by band 'Laugh Till You' re Blue' . A jazz band warmed up the atmosphere on the field, along with Lion Ice Magician 'Nick Nicholas' who entertained crowds nightly.

Free skiing at Turoa Mid-term break looked promising for Turoa Ski Resort, with clear and cairn conditions holding the promise of brilliant skiing. The good weather wasn't to last however, with more closed days than open ones (as was the case with Whakapapa.) A free SkiWee programme for children aged 5-10 years operated when the conditions permitted, at the top of the Parklane Chair. Skiers were advised to exercise caution on the Mountain Road, due to icy conditions and fresh dumpings of snow daily. The weather played havoc with the > scheduled ski demo days which were postponed until Sunday. Free skiing was tobehad vA on Saturday afternoon Jps when the field U opened after a ( late start, w i t trCC steh

around 1,500 people enjoying clear blue skies. This unprecedented event even made the national television news. Another 2,700 skiers took to the slopes on Sunday in less than favourable conditions. Turoa currently has a 2m snow base and kilometres of skiiable field waiting for the weather to clear to be enjoyed. Weather conditions are expected to improve later in the week. Avalanche hazard lessening Avalanche hazard in the Tongariro National Park has lessened somewhat with the onset of warmer temperatures, but people venturing into the park are still advised to take extreme care. Whakapapa Ski Patroller Dave Irwin t'old the Bulletin yesterday that the hazard has moderated during the past few days, with warmer temperatures helping the snow to settle. The risk had dropped from extreme to high above 2000m, and to moderate below 2000m. The risk is classed as low below 1700m. Avalanche control work was carried out on a daily basis, with several natural releases observed late last week. Mr Irwin said those released have decreased significantly in size but people are still reminded to be aware of the risk. If people are uncertain about conditions they should contact the Department of Conservation or Whakapapa ski patrol. Travellers to Tongariro National Park are advised to check the status of roads in the area and get an up-dated weather report before leaving home. Road closures isolate towns Snow and ice forced the closure of most roads leading to the townsliips of Ohakune and Raetihi on the weekend, disrupting the travel plans of many. Black ice and heavy snow forced the closure of SH4 between National Park and Raetihi for the best part of Saturday. A break in the weather in the afternoon sufficiently melted much of the obstructing snow for vehicles to get through. It was too late however for the rugby matches in both Raetihi and Ohakune that had to ^ Cfi be postponed due to inches of snow on ^ Turn to Page2

Snow closes roads FROMPAGEl the playing fields. Waiouru' s match against a Wanganui team was postponed also, with SH1 between Waioum and Taihape impassable. All games have been postponed until next Saturday. The Desert Road remained closed from Wednesday through to Saturday and nearly 100 people were forced to abonden cars which were immobilised by the weather. The stranded travellers were evacuated by the Army and found accommodation in Waiouru until their vehicles could be recovered. The A A reported yesterday that all roads in the central North Island, including the Desert Road, were open and clear, although more snow is forecast this week. Motorists are advised to exercise extreme care when travelling through the Ruapehu region and check with AA before embarking. The number to call is 0900 22 333, for up-to-date road condtions.