Heavy snow and bad weather will see the Crown Range remaining closed overnight.

It was thought that the alpine pass may have been able to open for a few hours this afternoon, but continuing heavy snowfalls saw the decision made to keep the road closed.

“The situation is quite unique in that we are experiencing back to back snowfalls,” QLDC transport manager Denis Mander said. Snow on the saddle now ranged between one and one and a half metres.

The situation will be reviewed at 10am tomorrow morning.

People are being asked to remain cautious driving and walking around the district as the wintery blast continues. An intensive gritting and grading programme is in place but care is advised on all local roads, particularly in shaded areas where ice and snow doesn’t melt as quickly and also on paths and footbridges which can also be slippery.

A live feed of road updates can be accessed on the Queenstown Lakes District Council website. www.qldc.govt.nz

By: Jo Blick