Hikersurged to think about the effects of New Zealand's extreme weather conditions
In the Tararua Ranges, a popular hiking destination in New Zealand, the importance of tramping safety has once again come to the forefront following the tragic death of Darren John Myers on May 30, 2019. Myers, a 49-year-old from Wellington, perished while attempting the challenging Northern Crossing, a notorious 'expert level' tramp known for its extreme weather conditions.
According to a coroner's report, Myers' demise was due to a fall while descending over exposed, wet rocks in a gully. This unfortunate incident underscores the need for careful consideration of risks, especially for inexperienced trampers, above the bush line, or in winter conditions, as endorsed by Coroner Tracey Fitzgibbon and the NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC).
The Tararua Ranges have seen a significant number of search and rescues over the past seven years, with over 180 trampers involved between 2010-2017. This makes it the third highest conservation area in New Zealand for search and rescue (SAR) incidents.
The MSC, in an effort to improve tramping safety, has developed a trip-planning app called "Plan My Walk." This app helps trampers select an appropriate trip, presents weather forecasts, Department of Conservation track alerts, and severe weather warnings, and allows for detailed notes and emergency contact sharing.
Another initiative comes from the Issue Specific Advisory Group, a collaboration between the MSC, DOC, and NZ Police, which proposed a report in 2020. The report includes eight solutions to provide clarity on expected journey times, a public interface for reporting track issues, encouraging trampers to factor in longer journey times during planning, and providing accurate information on conditions for trampers to set realistic expectations.
Appropriate footwear, particularly boots, is essential for expert routes, off-track tramping, and multi-day tramps with heavier packs. In steep terrain, the likelihood and severity of a fall should be constantly evaluated. Off-track descents in gullies and streams are more dangerous due to being steeper and wetter.
Trampers are also advised to have a backup plan and be prepared to stay longer at safe points such as huts. The latest weather forecast for the area should be considered during trip planning. The MSC's new trip planning app, Plan My Walk, is a valuable tool in facilitating hiking preparation.
However, lack of preparation appears to have contributed to Myers' death, as he was unable to adjust his trip plans due to unfavorable weather conditions. It is crucial for all trampers to be well versed in the Land Safety Code to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience in the great outdoors.
Read also:
- Exploring the Digestive Benefits of Fermented Foods
- Senator Rasha Kelej welcomed Maldives First Lady at the seventh installment of the Merck Foundation's First Ladies Initiative Summit to discuss collaborative healthcare programs.
- A renowned culinary artist opted to dine at this establishment:
- "New bike and pedestrian paths expansion, dubbed 'Greater Greenways,' set to appear across NYC's streets, waterfronts, and parks"
