Be prepared and don't take chances - that's the simple message from Tasmania Police to people looking to experience Kunanyi/Mount Wellington, one of the state's most popular nature attractions.
Tasmania Police joined forces with the City of Hobart on Thursday for a message urging visitors and locals to respect Kunanyi / Mt Wellington's potentially dangerous alpine weather conditions as winter sets in.
"People need to be aware that it can take just a matter of minutes for the weather to turn treacherous on the mountain," Tasmania Police Search and Rescue Senior Constable Cameron Rennie, pictured, said.
"Certainly, we've seen it turn to blizzard-like conditions in a short space of time, with extremely strong wind, 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."
Tasmania Police emphasises the following points.
Plan ahead: Research the difficulty level of your trip and inform others of your planned route and expected return time. Don't set off alone. For safety, walk in pairs, or as part of a group.
Carry essential equipment: Bring warm and waterproof clothing, hiking shoes, a fully charged mobile phone, and a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB). Take a back-up light source that is not your phone, such as a camping-style headlamp.
Monitor conditions: Check weather forecasts and road / track access updates before heading up the mountain.
Be mindful of visibility: Low cloud cover can reduce visibility to just a few metres, and snow or ice can make tracks and roads dangerously slippery.
If in trouble, ask for help: Don't leave it to the last minute to raise the alarm. If you have become lost, or injured, or the weather conditions are going to cause you difficulty, ask for advice. Call police on 131 444 or, call triple zero 000 if it is an emergency. Waiting to late in the day or when darkness falls adds to the complexity of a search and rescue.
"These precautions are vital to ensuring a safe experience on the mountain," Senior Constable Rennie said.
Supporting police, City of Hobart Program Leader Bushland Greg Milne said people were drawn to the mountain's special experiences, including snow events, but many do not realise the dangers that can come with it.
"Kunanyi / Mount Wellington is a true alpine mountain range and can be deadly for the unprepared or in-experienced," Mr Milne said.
"Every snow event, our staff working on the mountain see so many unprepared visitors. Last September, at the request of Police Search and Rescue … (we) rescued 18 people from the pinnacle in blizzard-like conditions at night after a storm front surged through."
Tasmania Police Search and Rescue responded to 11 incidents on Kunanyi/Mt Wellington since July 1 last year.
In five of those callouts, police identified that people were simply not sufficiently prepared.
