The Mountain Safety Council said yesterday's large avalanche near the Remarkables ski-field is a warning for climbers to check the conditions.

A category three avalanche fell in the Queenstown back-country yesterday afternoon just after 3 o'clock.

It was 80 metres wide and travelled 90 metres into the frozen Lake Alta.

The incident is a direct result of fresh snow sitting on top of a slippery icy crust, which set during warmer weather two months ago.

Council spokesman Mike Daisley said back-country climbers need to have the latest information before venturing out.

He said people should visit avalanche.net.nz, where there are up to the minute forecasts on snow throughout the country.