Six ski tourers in New Zealand were involved in a skier triggered avalanche last Friday, with partial and complete burials.
The 1.5 grade avalanche was triggered around 3pm in the Tongariro region in Mt Ruapehu’s backcountry while ski touring near Glacier Knob. The 50 metre wide avalanche had a 40cm wind slab crown.
The party of six responsibly reported the avalanche to the NZ Avalanche Advisory and submitted an extensive public observation report, including images for key learnings.
According to the observation report, four of the party were partially buried. One member buried with only face and arm free. One member completely buried with only hand protruding. The buried member had an airway excavated within two minutes.
Everyone was fully excavated within ten minutes. No injuries were reported.
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory thanked the group for the report and has asked, via a social media post above, if anyone has more information about the incident to reach out.
