Backcountry snow enthusiasts are urged to stay away from the mountains across the country over the next few days due to high avalanche danger ratings, the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) says.

MSC said avalanche danger levels have reached a winter season high after the last storm system delivered significant amounts of new snow, leaving the mountains a dangerous place to visit.

Regions rated ‘high’ avalanche danger are Wanaka, Queenstown, Fiordland, the Arthur’s Pass, Craigieburn Range, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Ohau, and Nelson Lakes. Those on ‘considerable’ are Tongariro, Taranaki, Mt Hutt and Two Thumbs.

It is uncommon for eight out of 12 avalanche forecasting regions to be classified as ‘high’ avalanche danger, and the remaining four as ‘considerable’.

High danger level indicates very dangerous avalanche conditions where travel is not recommended as natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely, according to the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA). 

The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZA) current 'high' danger rating regions. PHOTO: Mountain Safety Council

MSC chief executive Mike Daisley said the recent weather system means the backcountry is not a safe place right now.

“Significant overnight snowfalls accompanied by strong winds means many ski areas are closed or partially closed today to conduct avalanche control work. This control work doesn’t occur in the backcountry, so it needs even more time to settle and stabilise.”

MetService meteorologist Lewis Ferris said in the past few days there has been a classic winter snowfall, with a good feed of moisture from the northwest with freezing levels low enough to get big accumulations around the alps.

Mike said the NZAA forecasters need time to reassess the hazards, and while they do this MSC strongly advises staying out of the backcountry which includes mountaineering, backcountry skiing and alpine tramping.

“It’s vital that people check the latest avalanche advisory before venturing out and follow the guidance provided,” he said.

The NZAA forecasters will update the 12 regional forecasts as new information becomes available.

There have been 27 avalanche fatalities in New Zealand from 1999 to 2021.