High avalanche risk in Fiordland

The Department of Conservation has warned trampers there is a high risk of avalanche in the southern mountains.

Large amounts of snow have fallen across the alpine areas in Fiordland and The Routeburn, Kelper and Milford Tracks will remain unsafe over the long holiday weekend.

"The season for snow has arrived late, but in dumps that keep loading the high areas," DOC Te Anau avalanche spokesman Hamish Angus said.

"The forecast for this weekend is good weather but the warm temperatures are likely to result in an unsupportive snow pack and more avalanche activity."

Te Anau police Sergeant Tod Hollebon said it was very disappointing that some trampers had disregarded advice about avalanche risk and had ventured into high risk areas.

"This is a significant concern to both DOC and the Police. The last thing we want to spend Labour Weekend doing is recovering bodies," Mr Hollebon said.

Mr Angus said conditions would be reassessed at the start of the tramping season on October 26.

"The other risk is that rivers may be higher than usual due to snow melt.

"We really encourage people to get out enjoying the mountains, but we want them to be aware that the alpine areas are particularly volatile in these conditions. Low altitude tramping from either end of the tracks or other valley tracks are great alternatives."

- NZPA