After fresh snow on the top fields Whakapapa, and generally most ski fields, will blast to move unsettled snow. There is nothing unusual about this and often when I have been up at Ruapehu, even if the field has been opened, the blasting may continue up on the upper mountain. Use of explosives on skifields are not always a reliable indicator of high avalanche danger – it is also commonly used as a management tool to enable quicker settlement of snowpack for grooming and to prevent further buildup. I would be surprised if the fresh snow that weekend posed anything more than a “moderate” risk (check out MSC http://www.avalanche.net website for categories of risk), and then only on the higher slopes.
I would suggest that explosions make good tv, just as do cars sliding off the road, and a snowed over Desert road. Given the dire forecast for that weekend TV had obviously primed itself up for some more “weather bomb” and “freak storm” coverage (plus the crew probably get some skiing in for their troubles). It encourages those at home to turn up the heater and cram more comfort food down, thankful they are not out there in the big bad world.
Avalanche risk can be a very localised thing that depends on a myriad of factors including aspect, terrain, altitude, temperature and activity. Different areas on the same mountain can have very different loadings and risk profiles. It is very hard to generalise about a large area that has such a huge variance in terrain. Most risks can be minimised by sticking to ridges an spurs and unloaded slopes.
No doubt your numerous reports were from people “expert” in avalanche assessment, but it is hard to beat the level of experience of the instructors who were actually there (including A Higgins).
At the next AIC/Snowcraft weekend Jo will briefly mention the conditions that weekend to allay any concerns of those directly involved. If any students have concerns about the weekend they are free to raise those directly with instructors – there will also be a course feedback form.
See ya in the hills
