Danger Of Avalances At Ski Fields Assessed

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31726, 9 July 1968, Page 12

Danger Of Avalances At Ski Fields Assessed

The avalanche danger at the Porter Heights ski field is no greater than that at any other Canterbury ski field, in the opinion of three mountaineers, Messrs N. D. Hardie, L. Crawford and P. Squires, who have inspected the area.

An avalanche at Porter Heights eight days ago destroyed a lodge at the field and injured two of the three skiers sleeping in it.

The avalanche was of the soft-snow type, the main damage being caused by the explosive wind blasts preceding it down the mountain, according to the managing director of the company running the field (Mr P. Willis). The company intends to erect a shelter at the bottom of the tow line for the hiring of equipment and for cafeteria facilities. The main task confronting the company is the siting of the shelter and the winching of the tow motor back into place. No accommodation will be provided in the floor of the valley.

It is expected that the Porter Heights field will be reopened soon. The Craigieburn Valley Ski Club has advised that most of its road has now been bulldozed clear of snow. The road will be free of snow to the top car park by the week-end. However, chains will be necessary, particularly for the upper part of the road, where the surface in places is very icy.

The top tow, middle tow, and beginners’ tow have all been dug out of the snow, which in places was 9ft to 12ft on the tow line. These three tows are once again in full operation. The access tow, which was damaged by last week’s exceptionally heavy snow, has been repaired and it is expected that this will also be running this week-end. However, much depends on the weather, for the large mass of snow has not yet properly consolidated, and there is still a danger of avalanches.