Warm weather makes Mt Cook glaciers unsafe

Unseasonably warm weather has rendered access glaciers to Aorangi-Mount Cook unsafe and impassable and ascents of New Zealand's highest peak may be cancelled this climbing season.

Dozens of climbers from New Zealand and overseas climb the mountain each year, but this year local guides are warning that access to the peak is becoming increasingly unsafe, The Press reported today.

Access to the 3754m peak is usually via the Linda Glacier which has broken up in many places, exposing climbers to dangerous crevasses and other hazards.

Mount Cook-based guiding company Alpine Recreation director Gottlieb Braun-Elwert said conditions on the mountain were deteriorating.

"We had a very lean snow winter with very little snow and the glaciers are not in good shape, so that's causing problems with access, particularly to Aoraki-Mount Cook."

Rain in the past few days was exacerbating the situation by washing away existing snow cover.

This week parties were still able to get through, but only with difficulty, he said.

"We are watching very carefully; we may have to pull the plug and say no more ascents up the mountain."

Mr Braun-Elwert said he feared the poor season was part of a longer-term trend.

"Climate warming is a fact. I've watched the glaciers for 30 years and there are some dramatic changes happening in New Zealand and overseas. It's something everybody needs to be aware of, not just mountaineers."

Department of Conservation Mount Cook programme manager Erik VanderSpek said snowfall during winter at Mueller Hut in Aoraki-Mount Cook National Park was about 2m less than normal seasons.

"The whole park is pretty soft with unseasonably warm temperatures leading up to Christmas," he said.

DOC warned climbers to seek up-to-date weather and condition information and listen to the advice of other climbers.

- NZPA