Ranger Steve Woodhall said the heavy snow had brought down trees and limbs, with work crews being mobilised to make the park safe again for visitors.

“It was the biggest dump of snow we had seen on the mountain in decades and, as a result, the damage has been surprising.

“There is timber down across walking tracks, trees have been uprooted and limbs are hanging precariously.

“Staff have assessed most of the walking tracks and have recorded over 200 trees and large limbs which need to be cleared.

“We have had to close the Federal Falls camping area and all of the walking tracks in Mount Canobolas SCA and while we undertake the massive clean-up.

“The Summit area, Orange View picnic area, The Walls picnic area and the Tea House picnic area are open to visitors.

“We have NPWS staff arriving from Griffith, Forbes and Peak Hill as well as arborist contractors so that we can have the tracks open again as quickly as possible.

“Public safety is our priority and we will work as quickly as we can to have the tracks and camping area reopened. Some of the work is weather dependant, so we are hoping for good conditions,” Mr Woodhall said.

Track opening/closure information will be regularly updated at: www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au