Routine avalanche control work at Turoa triggers avalanche

No injuries, and all staff accounted for

MT RUAPEHU 6 AUGUST 2018: This morning during routine avalanche control work a significant avalanche has been triggered at Turoa.

Ross Copland, Chief Executive of skifield operator Ruapehu Alpine Lifts (RAL) says that at approximately 0830 a number of start zones responded simultaneously with a large flow through "Gliding Gladys".

This avalance control work is carried out daily before the scheuduled ski field opening time of 0900. No-one was injured and all RAL staff are accounted for. The High Noon Express chairlift has suffered damage and engineers are responding to assess the extent.

The upper mountain is closed at both ski areas today, check mtruapehu.com snow report for the latest details.

All backcountry tourers are urged to check the latest avalanche advisory before venturing into the back country at www.avalanche.net.nz

ENDS

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