Spectacular video shows massive Milford avalanche

An avalanche triggered by explosives which sent tonnes of snow and ice rushing down near the Milford Road has been captured on video.

The avalanche on Saturday was part of work to reduce the risk to visitors travelling by road to Milford Sound.

State Highway 94 from Te Anau to Milford Sound has been closed several times in recent days because of snow blocking the highway and the avalanche risk.

In the video released by Waka Kotahi New Zealand Transport Agency the avalanche was channeled down to the western side of the Homer Tunnel at a location called Avalanche Creek.

The snow and ice was then cleared away.

“The avalanche programme that we undertake each year is internationally recognised. We take very seriously the responsibility to keep visitors to Milford safe,” Milford Road Alliance manager Kevin Thompson said.

The Milford Road/SH94 was open this morning but would close again between Hollyford Road Junction and the Donne River Bridge at 5pm  for forecast overnight snow of up to 25cm.

The road would likely reopen mid-morning on Wednesday after initial clearing, the Milford Road Alliance advised.

"We expect to have some snowfall from the Knobs Flat area, through to the western side of the Homer Tunnel; this could continue on and off through much of Wednesday. While snow ploughs will be operating, some delays are possible.

"Snow was now forecast every day through to the weekend and further overnight closures should be expected."

Until the late 1970s, the avalanche danger saw the Milford Road closed all winter.

The avalanche control programme was established in 1983 to predict and manage risk from snow, ice and avalanches more effectively, while allowing year-round operation.