Treble Cone Ski Area (New Zealand) took to social media to explain why large sections of the mountain have recently been closed. According to the post, dangerous avalanche conditions exist after warm temps followed by heavy snowfall.
The resort says that numerous avalanches have already occurred (as you can see in some of the pictures) and more are just waiting to release. You can actually see that the entire snowpack has lifted off the ground in some areas.
You can read the full post below, but pay attention to the part about why they can’t use explosives to remedy the situation. The resort says: “Unfortunately, explosives will not work in this situation. We’d need a tactical nuclear strike to get any movement from such large and heavy slabs.”
Using a tactical nuke to trigger a huge avalanche would obviously be extremely irresponsible and would wreak havoc on the area due to radiation fallout, but there’s still a part of me that want to see it happen. Is that bad? Am I a bad person for wanting to see that? 😅
Full post from Treble Cone Ski Area:
“Kia ora koutou
Rāmare/Friday Terrain Update:
This week has been warm and the new snow on Wednesday hasn’t changed our situation. We have been constantly monitoring The Saddle and Powder Bowl, and several large avalanches have been witnessed. As the pictures show, several sizeable glide slabs are unsupported and ready to avalanche.
In places, the entire snowpack has lifted off the ground, and if you look closely, you can see the buckling and deformation of the snowpack beneath the cracks. There is a high risk throughout these areas, especially to the Saddle lift, and anyone on it and above Saddle track/powder bowl.
Unfortunately, explosives will not work in this situation.We’d need a tactical nuclear strike to get any movement from such large and heavy slabs. We will need to wait for prolonged freezing temps to see if the slabs stop moving. This hasn’t happened yet, so the Saddle and Powder Bowl will remain closed this weekend.
We’re monitoring the situation closely and are as keen as you all are to get back in there, but only when it’s safe to do so. This weekend’s warm forecast does not help us.
The good news is that the Summit is open and skiing well. Main Basin and Matuki have been incredible all season, so there are plenty of good turns to be had on the maunga.
Thank you for understanding and thank you for respecting the closures. PLEASE do not duck ropes, they are up for a reason! The mountain beyond may look amazing, but the avalanche risk is very real and very high. The consequences of someone being caught in this type of slide is quite terrifying.
Updates to come at the start of next week!
Kia pai tō koutou rā whakatā, Have a nice weekend everyone.
Ewan”