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Thumbnail of NZAA October 2022
6th October 2022
2min

Media Release: October snowfall calls for continued avalanche caution

Those hoping to enjoy some spring backcountry adventures this week are urged by the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) to wait for settled conditions. 
Thumbnail of NZAA Public Observation Mike Irwin Queenstown Sep 22
30th September 2022
3min

MEDIA RELEASE: Warmer spring months call for continued avalanche caution

As the longer days and warmer temperatures kick in, it’s a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts that spring doesn’t mean the end of avalanche season.
Thumbnail of NZAA Public Observation, Dean, July 2022
8th July 2022
2min

MEDIA RELEASE: Winter brings the goods, but with it comes uncertainty

Alpine and ski enthusiasts will be rejoicing as winter snowfall continues to bolster the season. However, the forecast for the next week shows unstable and changeable weather which increases the...
Thumbnail of NZAA Public Obs Harley Patel Muxlow June 4 v2
10th June 2022
3min

Media Release: Caution to backcountry users as heavy snowfall generates avalanche risk

Caution is advised by MSC as the Southern Alps have recently been heavily blanketed with snow, and more is predicted over the coming week even as far North as Tongariro...
Thumbnail of Mt Aspiring Region, Taichiro Naka
1st June 2022

Media Release: An ‘Aspiring’ new region for backcountry avalanche forecasting  

A new addition to the national avalanche forecasting network means users venturing into the backcountry of Wanaka, Queenstown, and Mt Aspiring National Park can make sound decisions based on a...
Thumbnail of Rob Frost A perfect morning on the Franz Josef neve
1st December 2021
1min

MSC Research: Avalanche Safety Behaviour Survey

Research Survey: Attitudes and behaviours of the NZ mountaineering community in relation to avalanche safety
Thumbnail of aoraki mt cook header
19th November 2021
2min

NZAA Aoraki/Mt Cook Elevation Band Summer changes

In 2019 the Mountain Safety Council (MSC) began the practice of changing the elevation bands in the NZ Avalanche Advisory’s (NZAA) Aoraki/Mt Cook forecast region in summer, and reverting to...
Thumbnail of Jonathan Crane Pleasant valley 2021 2
26th October 2021
2min

User photos of the backcountry improve safety information

A community data sharing initiative that encourages the public to submit avalanche sightings from New Zealand’s backcountry is proving to be highly successful. 
Thumbnail of Chris Cochrane NZAA Forecaster
25th August 2021
3min

As told by an avalanche forecaster | Part 2

Knowing a mountainous region like the back of your hand is a special skill, but it’s the reality for the forecasters of the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory’s (NZAA) 12 regions. 
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