'Significant' avalanche on Mt Ruapehu forces Tūroa skifield to shut down for the day

Snow Ski Chair Lift Mount Ruapehu New Zealand
Photo credit: Getty

Tūroa skifield is closed after two avalanches struck the mountain.

Routine avalanche control went awry at 9:30am on Thursday, causing a significant avalanche.

The Mt Ruapheu, Whakapapa and Tūroa Ski Field Facebook page announced the mountain would close.

A second avalanche occurred at 11.30am, extending the period of closure.

There is no sign of when the mountain will reopen, although work to control avalanches is continuing further up the mountain.

No injuries have been reported, and resort facilities remain unscathed. 

New Zealand Avalanche Advisory warns Tongariro National Park is at "considerable risk" for an avalanche due to heavy wind and snow. 

The warning was issued on Wednesday afternoon and will carry through until Thursday afternoon.

Status updates will continue throughout Thursday. 

Newshub.