Delay travel where possible - QLDC
Queenstown Lakes residents and visitors are being asked to delay non-essential travel as snow continues to fall across the Whakatipu Basin and up the mountains.
After a windy and rainy night, snow began to settle down to lake level at about 8.30am this morning, down to 300m.
That coincided with the morning rush hour and school run, but there are no reports of any major accidents. Queenstown Lakes District Council has now issued a travel advisory, however.
"Snow is settling in many parts of the Whakatipu Basin, especially on plenty of the main roads. We're currently asking that if travel is not essential for you today that you rug up and enjoy a nice cup of coffee (or hot chocolate of course)," a council Facebook update reads.
"Crews are working hard to clear snow and are recommending that road users stay off the roads as much as possible if travel is not urgent. If you are needing to travel, please carry chains in your boot. A 4WD is recommended at this stage."
Who says you can't bike in winter?
Throughout the night, it had fallen heavily up the mountains, with The Remarks and Cardrona Alpine Resort both reporting nearly 40cm of windswept snow, and both closed.
Coronet Peak, which has been waiting for a decent dump all July, has had 23cm in the past 24 hours and is open. Chains are required to be fitted to all vehicles. Treble Cone is also open, with a whopping 45cm since yesterday morning.
The Crown Range and the Lindis Pass (SH8) remain closed, however crews anticipate opening SH8 the road at 11am if conditions allow. SH8 Alexandra-Roxborough remains open, but snow is falling heavily and the advice is to avoid if possible.
Orbus is advising the severe weather is restricting operations on routes 2 and 3.
"Route 2 is running between Arthur's Point and Frankton Hub only. Route 3 is running between Frankton Flats and Remarkable Park only.
"All routes are running late due to the weather and the traffic flow. We will update as the situation changes."
Queenstown Lakes schools are open but some flights are delayed at Queenstown Airport - check the airport website for details.
The Mountain Safety Council's New Zealand Avalanche Advisory website has issued a level four 'high avalanche danger alert' (scale 1-5) for the Southern Alps ranges, including the mountains around Queenstown, Wanaka, Fiordland, Mt Aspiring, Aoraki / Mt Cook and Arthur's Pass.
"Very dangerous avalanche conditions. Travel in avalanche terrain not recommended."
For Queenstown, it says: "The back-country will be a dangerous place for the next few days. Stay home and try out your favourite cake recipe. There will be a cycle of natural avalanche activity. Let nature do her thing. Back-country travel should NOT be attempted."
The MetService forecast is for the snow showers to ease this afternoon, with fresh southwesterlies all day.
