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The Department of Conservation is reminding visitors to Tongariro National Park that there is a risk of avalanche in many back country areas. Avalanche control is carried out on ski areas but not elsewhere in the park.

People attempting the Tongariro Alpine Crossing are advised the area between Blue Lake and Ketetahi hut is a documented avalanche area. The current winter conditions and snow load mean that additional care should be taken while hiking this part of the track and around the eastern flanks of North Crater.

"It's worth doing an avalanche test before attempting this section of the track," says Jimmy Johnson a DOC ranger based in Turangi. "People hiking over Tongariro need to be well equipped and experienced in winter alpine conditions."

An avalanche information website, www.avalanche.net.nz details up-to-date information on the avalanche risk for Tongariro National Park which today is rated 'considerable'. Their advice is that backcountry skiing and travel should only be carried out by experienced persons able to evaluate avalanche hazards. This information is updated daily.

Additional information is also available from DOC staff at the Whakapapa Visitor Centre.