The NZ Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) has launched its annual public observations competition, which encourages backcountry enthusiasts to actively contribute to avalanche safety.

It is calling on skiers, snowboarders, climbers and other outdoor adventurers heading into backcountry alpine terrain to record snow conditions and any avalanche activity via the public observation tool.

The NZAA is provided by the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC), which is offering a $1,500 voucher to an outdoor retailer for the winner of the competition.

“We’re excited to announce the public observations competition,” MSC chief executive Mike Daisley. 

“We want to encourage backcountry users to share their observations. In doing so, they’re playing a vital role in the safety of the alpine community.”

NZAA forecasters use public observations along with other information about current snow conditions and the weather forecast to develop accurate avalanche forecasts for 13 regions around the motu. 

Read more: Avalanche forecasting begins for backcountry users

“Public observations make an important contribution to avalanche forecasting,” Mike said.

“They’re also an additional tool for anyone planning an alpine trip to help them make informed decisions before they head out. By logging their observations, backcountry users are contributing to a more knowledgeable and safer backcountry community.”

To enter the public observations competition, participants must share a photo and information about snow conditions or any avalanche activity they see. Contributors who meet the competition terms and conditions will automatically be entered into the draw for every observation they submit.

The competition closes on November 30 and the winner will be announced on December 1.

Visit the NZAA website here.

PHOTO: Simon Smith