Photo: University of OtagoHeading off into the mountainous back country of the South Island is becoming increasingly dangerous as climate change increases uncertainty about snow and avalanche conditions. The NZ Avalanche Advisory provides widely recognised guidance on snow conditions and avalanche hazards across 13 alpine forecasting regions. Prof Cullen said avalanche risk was a complex interaction involving snowpack, weather, terrain and people, where terrain was the only factor that remained constant over time. University of Otago School of Geography researcher Prof Nicolas Cullen (left) and PhD student Phil Elder are developing a mapping system aimed at helping back-country visitors stay safe from avalanche danger in New Zealand. NZ-mATES would then use this information to identify locations where an avalanche might start, travel and dissipate, and calculate the risks accordingly.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2026 21:37 UTC