In heavy news today, a heliskier has died after being trapped in an avalanche in the Southern Alps in New Zealand.
The heli-skiing group were skiing in the Arrowsmith Range west of Mt Hutt and Methven when the avalanche struck around lunchtime. One person was trapped in the snow and recovered by rescuers in a critical condition but died a short time later.
The name of the deceased is yet to be released.
New Zealand has experienced a late winter with mega snow storms in September creating dangerous avalanche conditions with a persistent weak layer and heavy loading. Dangerous conditions exist in Arthur’s Pass, Aoraki/Mt Cook, Ōhau, Milford Rd, Queenstown, Wānaka and Mount Aspiring National Park.
An avalanche near Treble Cone Ski Area in Wanaka on Monday buried one skier for seven minutes before rescue.
