Following is the average monthly rainfalls and temperatures for Arthur's Pass village.
MOUNTAIN SAFETY
Although a tramper’s paradise, Arthur's Pass National Park is and shall continue to be, a literal death trap. Many people under-estimate the severity of its weather, and the seriousness of some of its mountain and tramping routes.
Most of the serious search and rescue exercises in the park have involved the recovery of climbers who have taken foolish risks or made bizarre decisions. Most have been taken un-awares by rapid changes in weather,
or have mis-judged the rock, ice, snow or river conditions to a point where they have well exceeded their own capabilities.
Arthur's Pass climbing is no less dangerous than its southern counterparts. Low elevation in no way cancels out the risks of sudden weather change, snow avalanche, rockfall, exposure, crevasses on seemingly safe
snow-fields and loose rotten rock which makes for unsafe holds or anchors. Rivers and streams may also flash flood without warning.
Arthur’s Pass is also prone to earthquakes and tremors causing rockfall and avalanche activity.
BEING CAUGHT OUT IS SYNONYMOUS WITH
ARTHUR'S PASS MOUNTAINEERING!
The Department of Conservation in Arthur’s Pass maintains a Search & Rescue Action Card System. It is a free service to all Park users. This system is accessible 24 hours a day at the Visitor Centre in Arthur’s Pass, or you may phone in your intentions during normal office hours. Initial Search & Rescue action is not prompted until 8am - 9am the morning following your "Due Out" date. Keep this in mind should you get into trouble. Always let someone else know your plans so action may be initiated earlier.
ALL CLIMBERS ARE URGED TO FILL OUT A S.A.R. CARD AT THE DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION VISITORS CENTRE BEFORE WANDERING INTO THE HILLS
(and remember to sign out) !!!
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