DoC warns of ice dangers in Park

Ruapehu Bulletin, Volume 14, Issue 685, 6 May 1997, Page 11

DoC warns of ice dangers in Park

The Department of Conservation is warning trampers and climbers to be aware of dangerous conditions in high country areas of Tongariro National Park. A fatality on Mt Ruapehu during the weekend had highlighted the risks involved in climbing and tramping at this time of the year. Regional Conservator Mr Paul Green said that the present run of fine autumn weather could fool people into a false sense of security not just on Mt Ruapehu, but in other areas of the park such as the popular Tongariro Crossing. Mr Green said that snow had already fallen in the park and in the sunny clear weather the mountains looked particularly inviting. However, unless people know how to use alpine

equipment and are experienced in climbing and walking in snow and ice they should stay away from high country areas. Mr Dave Rothschild, a conservation officer at Whakapapa said that people must stay within their own level of expertise when venturing into areas of snow and ice. He said they needed to be competent at self-ar-rest techniques and in the use of crampons. "Climbers must be aware of their skill level and the actual risks," Mr Rothschild said. "Conditions on the mountain can be deceptive

and if a person falls and cannot self-arrest even on a moderate slope they could slide a very long way at lethal speeds". The southem slopes can be icy and especially treacherous first thing in the morning. Rime and sastrugi ice, which is the ice that grows on the surface in windy damp conditions and breaks easily, is common near the tops. It' s easy to trip on this type of ice, Mr Rothschild said. Weather in Tongariro National Park can change with alarming speed and

anyone going into the park should have plenty of warm and waterproof clothing as well as an ice axe and crampons if they intend going above the snowline.

Weather and track conditions for Tongariro National Park are available daily. Later in the season daily avalanche forecasts will also be available.