An extensive search to determine if anyone was trapped under snow after an avalanche on the Remarkables yesterday serves as a warning about the heightened risk of avalanches in the Southern Alps, the Mountain Safety Council says.
Thirty-nine searchers used helicopters, avalanche dogs, electronic detection equipment and avalanche probes to check if anyone was buried by the avalanche in an area known as the Terminator Chute.
NZSki confirmed after the search no-one was caught in the slide, there were no reports of missing people and no vehicles were left unaccounted for in the Remarkables ski area car park.
The avalanche, just outside the ski area's boundary above Lake Alta, was discovered by ski patrollers about 2.45pm. Unsure whether people were trapped, alpine search and rescue personnel and ski area staff launched a full emergency response.
Queenstown police were notified and additional ski patrollers with dogs and equipment flown in by helicopter to the site from Cardrona and Coronet Peak skifields as Remarkables staff rushed to the site using snow-groomers and chairlifts.
Personnel trained in alpine cliff rescue and St John crews were also involved.
Other staff counted cars in the ski area car park and asked occupants about missing people.
About 6pm, searchers began returning to the Remarkables base building and at 6.30pm a person was put in an ambulance on a stretcher. It was not clear whether the person was involved in the search, which officially ended about 7pm.
The avalanche came just two days after the Mountain Safety Council issued an avalanche warning for the Southern Alps, including the Remarkables.
Recent snow, rain and rising temperatures heightened the risk of avalanches, particularly on slopes such as those on the Remarkables, council avalanche and alpine programme manager Andrew Hobman said.
"That basin [avalanche site] is just the right angle."
Mr Hobman warned people venturing outside ski area boundaries or into unmonitored mountain terrain to carry transmitters at all times.
Those without avalanche equipment and mountain experience should stay away, he said.
