25 Jul 2009

Controlled explosions being carried out

11:56 am on 25 July 2009

Ski fields in the Queenstown and Wanaka region are on high risk avalanche alert with controlled explosions being carried out to release unstable snow.

Up to 50cm of snow has fallen over the past week and back country skiers and boarders are advised to take extreme care.

The Remarkables ski area says it has conducted 13 controlled explosions within its boundaries near Queenstown.

Manager Ross Lawrence says extensive safety work has been carried out.

At the Cardrona Alpine Resort in Wanaka, manager Gary Husband says the high risk avalanche warnings are being taken very seriously.

All known avalanche areas are being monitored and several controlled explosions have taken place.

Coronet Peak near Queenstown says its ski area is stable and has not yet had to set off any controlled avalanche explosions.