One person has died in an avalanche after becoming trapped during a heli-skiing trip in Mid Canterbury. Police were notified of the avalanche in the Southern Alps at 12.25pm today. A search and rescue team was immediately scrambled to the area.
“One person was trapped in the avalanche and was in a critical condition when recovered at around 1pm,” police said in a statement. The person died a short time later. Their name has not yet been released. No one else is unaccounted for.
A helicopter from Canterbury West Coast Air Rescue was dispatched to the area around Mt Arrowsmith in the Ashburton Lakes District. Rescue pilot Dan McPherson confirmed one person had died. He said a group was in the area heli-skiing when the avalanche happened.
The reported location of the avalanche, just south of Mt Arrowsmith, is about 46km west of Mt Hutt and about 130km west of Christchurch. The Avalanche Advisory, owned and operated by the Mountain Safety Council, issues avalanche advisories for the public in 13 alpine regions, but not the Arrowsmith area.
Earlier this month, The Mountain Safety Council urged skiers, snowboarders and climbers to check avalanche warnings before heading out. Following heavy snowfall during the first week of September, the Mountain Safety Council issued avalanche warnings to remain in place for parts of the South Island.
There was a high risk of avalanches for Ōhau in the Mackenzie Basin where there are “very dangerous avalanche conditions” and “travel in avalanche terrain not recommended”. Considerable avalanche risks remained for Arthur’s Pass, Aoraki Mt Cook, Two Thumbs, Queenstown, Wānaka, Fiordland and Aspiring, as well as Tongariro in the centre of the North Island.
There are “dangerous conditions” in these locations and “conservative decision-making is essential,” the council said. Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley told Newstalk ZB people should not travel in areas with avalanche warnings and should stay inbound and within skifields.
“Be really clear that you have the skills and knowledge to move yourself out of avalanche paths. It doesn’t mean people can’t go into the snow areas. It’s particularly important to know that if you are in a skifield area you are protected with professional ski and avalanche management. These warnings exist for people outside those skifields.”
He pointed to the large dumping of snow much of the lower half of the South Island had experienced during the past few days for the increased avalanche risks. He said things normally slow down at this time of year, but, during the past couple of winters, there have been some late snow dumpings.
The tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with mountain activities, especially during periods of heavy snowfall. The Mountain Safety Council’s warnings about avalanche risks should be taken seriously by all those venturing into alpine regions.
Avalanche Risk and Safety
The Mountain Safety Council plays a crucial role in providing information and advice on avalanche safety to the public. Their avalanche advisories for 13 alpine regions are a valuable resource for anyone planning outdoor activities in the mountains. However, the Arrowsmith area, where the recent fatality occurred, is not covered by their advisories.
Importance of Avalanche Awareness
Following heavy snowfall, the Mountain Safety Council issued avalanche warnings for several regions in the South Island. These warnings highlighted the dangers of travelling in avalanche terrain, emphasizing the need for conservative decision-making and the importance of having the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate avalanche paths.
The council’s chief executive, Mike Daisley, stressed the importance of staying within skifield areas where professional ski and avalanche management systems are in place.
Lessons Learned
The fatal avalanche in the Southern Alps is a reminder of the inherent risks associated with outdoor activities, especially in avalanche-prone areas. It underscores the importance of being aware of avalanche warnings, having proper training and equipment, and exercising caution during periods of heavy snowfall.
This tragic event serves as a reminder to always prioritize safety and to be aware of the potential dangers present in the backcountry.
Remembering the Victim
While the name of the deceased has not yet been released, our thoughts are with their family and friends during this difficult time. The loss of life in such a tragic accident serves as a reminder of the preciousness of life and the importance of taking necessary precautions to ensure safety.
