"Most people casually access the backcountry through ski areas. Often they have no safety equipment and think that because of their proximity to the Ski Field they are somehow safe. This is wrong! The moment you set foot over the ski area boundary you are on your own, and you need to be prepared and equipped for the dangers you may encounter. One of these is the Avalanche danger. The backcountry snow pack is uncontrolled meaning it has not had explosive charges used to bring down avalanches before you go out there. Weak layers within the snow pack can persist for many weeks, and can remain sensitive enough to release under the weight of one person.
You are just as likely to get caught in an avalanche 10 meters from the ski area boundary as you are being deep in the
-Gorden Smith
Read all of the Avalanche.net.nz Synopsis for week ending 4 August 2009 HERE
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