Tasmania Police and the City of Hobart are warning visitors and locals to respect Kunanyi / Mount Wellington's dangerous alpine weather conditions as winter closes in.
Police incident reports from the past year reveal a disturbing number of people needed help off the mountain due to being lost or caught unprepared for its bone chilling conditions.
A lot of the rescues occurred during snow events involving people trying to walk to the summit from The Springs, and many occur as darkness sets in and into the night.
Quotes to be attributed to Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Senior Constable Cameron Rennie:
"People need to be aware that it can take just a matter of minutes for the weather to turn treacherous on the mountain.
"Certainly, we've seen it turn to blizzard-like conditions in a short space of time, with extremely strong winds, sleet and snow, and that can, and does, catch people out.
"It can be quite a serious situation, if they are not properly prepared.
"It's not just bushwalkers. Even if you've driven a car up to the Springs or the Pinnacle for sight- seeing, make sure you are prepared for the possibility those conditions can change and that you have suitable clothing and can access shelter.
"Be aware that the pathways and roads could become wet and slippery and potentially, the roads will be icy to drive on."
Quotes to City of Hobart Program Leader Bushland Greg Milne:
"People are drawn to experience the magic of snow on the mountain, but many do not realise the dangers that come with it. Kunanyi / Mt Wellington is a true alpine mountain range and can be deadly for the unprepared or in-experienced.
"Conditions can change in a few minutes and even experienced walkers can get caught out.
"Snow, blizzards and freezing sub-zero temperatures are common, despite the city below being relatively sheltered.
"Every snow event our staff working on the mountain see so many unprepared visitors. Last September, at the request of Police Search and Rescue, the City rescued 18 people from the pinnacle in blizzard like conditions at night after a storm front surged through.
"The City and emergency services work together and to promote the same message to members of the public. We run a stay safe campaign specifically for the mountain to help people understand what they need and to ensure their safety.
"Even for a day walk on the mountain you need to match your walk to your experience. Walk in a group. Wear warm and water-proof clothing. Tell someone where you are going. Leave enough time to get back. Take a fully charged phone and battery pack. Check the conditions before heading up and be prepared for any situation.
"We want people to enjoy the mountain's winter beauty, , but the priority must be to keep people safe so we would urge people to please come prepared."
Quotes to be attributed to Hobart Walking Club and Bushwalking Tasmania President and Bushwalking Australia vice-president Ross Stephens:
"I always carry a rain jacket, a beanie, warm clothes, a map, a compass, a phone, a whistle, a torch and a space blanket.
"I always tell someone where I'm going and when I expect to return. If things turn sour, I can stay warm and dry until help arrives.
"Walking with a club is the safest way to enjoy Kunanyi. There are walks every week."
Stay safe on the mountain
If you are planning a trip to Kunanyi / Mt Wellington, remember, always check before you go:
- the Pinnacle Road open status
- the latest Kunanyi / Mt Wellington weather forecasts.
- Kunanyi / Mt Wellington might seem close enough to be a suburb of Hobart, but it's not, it's an alpine environment and can be treacherous if the weather turns nasty with white-outs and sub zero temperatures.
Please remember:
- if you're not well prepared, the mountain weather can be deadly
- for every 100 metres you ascend the temperature typically falls a degree
- the summit is 600 metres higher than The Springs and is likely to be 6°C colder. If it's windy, the summit will feel even colder. Walkers should always be prepared to turn back
- low cloud can reduce visibility to a few metres. Snow and ice can make tracks very slippery.
If you are heading up the mountain for a walk please be prepared for very cold conditions by bringing:
- warm layers and a jacket
- a waterproof coat
- hiking shoes
- warm hat and gloves
- a fully charged mobile phone
- a map.
Find more information on the Kunanyi / Mt Wellington page.
Picture: (left to right) City of Hobart Program Leader Bushland Greg Milne, Hobart Walking Club and Bushwalking Tasmania President and Bushwalking Australia vice-president Ross Stephens, and Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Senior Constable Cameron Rennie. Picture City of Hobart.
