Man Missing In Avalanche found dead

Snow industry professionals and alpine cliff rescue volunteers acting at the request of police this evening located the snowboarder who went missing following an avalanche in the back country to the west of Coronet Peak Ski field, Queenstown, around 4.40pm today.

Police were notified around 5pm today about an avalanche that had occurred in this area.

Two snowboarders had been in the area of the avalanche, which was graded a class 2.5 avalanche. It was released in the area known as Dirty Four Creek.

The companion of the missing man sounded the alarm, mobilising rescue and emergency services which included ski patrol professionals from Cardrona and the Remarkables as well as an alpine cliff rescue team and dogs.

The man was located using an electronic search device and recovered approximately two hours after the avalanche had occurred. Rescuers had to dig two and half metres through snow to recover him. He was not wearing a transceiver.

The man was found unconscious around 7pm and on-site medical personnel made immediate attempts to resuscitate him. He was airlifted to Queenstown Lakes District Hospital at around 8.10pm but was unable to be revived.

Police are still in the process of notifying his next of kin. He is 30 years of age and from Queenstown.

The NZ Mountain Safety Council says the Queenstown region has been at a high avalanche danger for the past 12 days.

“The Mountain Safety Council recommends staying out of the backcountry in these circumstances,” said the council’s Acting Avalanche Programme Manager, Gordon Smith. “This is the time to keep within ski area boundaries, where everyone can enjoy great snow, and do it safely.”

“The snow pack is unstable and avalanches are releasing under light triggers. The avalanche danger remains high and with the weather forecast predicting more heavy snowfalls for the Southern Alps over the coming days, the avalanche danger if anything may increase,” Mr Smith said. ENDS