Poolburn Dam does not have (known) consistent records for freezing but when it does it is a spectacular place to skate. The track up to the dam in winter can be icy and/or muddy and at times impassible. Not much is yet known about the quality and consistency of the ice so it pays to treat the dam with respect - and know your safety procedures. My experience has shown the ice can change dramatically over a 24hr period due to the effect of wind, moisture and temperature. Don't assume the next day will be the same. The ice gets covered in snow which can conceal dangerous and changeable ice conditions - not recommended unless you are sure about what you are doing and take adequate safety precautions ! On a fine day the air temperature can warm significantly and weaken the ice.
That said Poolburn is a fabulous place to skate - islands, bays and rocks to skate around and we have had some of the best natural ice skating days in NZ up there. As good as it gets on a 'Sensational Poolburn' day.
That said Poolburn is a fabulous place to skate - islands, bays and rocks to skate around and we have had some of the best natural ice skating days in NZ up there. As good as it gets on a 'Sensational Poolburn' day.
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| Tuesday 30th June 2009 7.34pm: Poolburn Dam (Poolburn Reservoir) From David Young by email |
| A NEW PLACE TO SKATE Best of all today was Poolburn Dam. Fantastic scenery. The North part of the dam was too thick to drill through. Ice on the north side was a little lumpy with skiffs of powder snow. Great ice on South half of the dam. The whole was dam frozen in. An awesome skate. The area is huge with islands and rocks to skate around. Note: the road (from Ida Valley) is officially closed and I would recommend a 4WD and some brains. Area is bleak and would be tough in bad weather. Don't go if there is snow on the range or on the way up or unsettled forecast (or with unreliable transport.... or people!). Most fantastic place I have skated yet. Wow!  Taking a rest on Poolburn Dam: Photo David Young  Snow Ice drifts on Poolburn Dam: Photo David Young  Some of the Islands on Poolburn Dam: Photo David Young |
| Saturday 15th August 5.51pm: Poolburn Dam From Dave Young by email | ||||||
Poolburn -Still an ice pack (up to 120mm) in main bay and around to the dam. Very thin or melted at the edges but once on great skating. Softened in places by midday and warming fast when we left. Last skate for 09 we think. Dave P on the edge!!! putting his skates on: Photo by Dave Young  Dave Young using the board technique for getting on to the Ice: Photo Dave P
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