Avalanche At Ski Area

An avalanche struck the South Face run at Mt Hutt Ski Area today.

Two skiers were caught in its path but no one was injured.

The alarm was raised by a ski patroller in the area and the Ski Area avalanche plan immediately instigated.

“Patrollers were immediately on the scene and avalanche rescue dogs flown in,” said Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson.

“Eyewitnesses were interviewed and while it appeared everyone was accounted for, we took the precaution of closing the ski area and asking guests to return to their cars for a full and thorough head count. Ski Patrollers had skied the face to check it just prior to the avalanche.”

The avalanche was a widespread slab shallow type event that was approximately 30cms deep. The avalanche struck following a one metre dump of snow over the weekend.

Avalanche control work prior to the avalanche included heli-bombing yesterday (Monday) and further hand charge bombing this morning (Tuesday). Ski cutting was also completed prior to opening.

ENDS

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