Ski group survive avalanche in Mt Ruapehu backcountry, four buried in snow

A serious avalanche involvement was reported in the Tongariro region on Friday, July 18. Photo / NZ Avalanche Advisory

A group of skiers had to be rescued after triggering an avalanche that buried four people, one of whom only had their hand protruding from the snow.

The Mountain Safety Council said a party of six was ski touring in the Mt Ruapehu backcountry, near Glacier Knob, when they triggered an avalanche on Friday at 3pm.

“Four members of the party were partially buried. One member was buried with only their face and arm free, and one member was completely buried with only their hand protruding.”

The avalanche occurred at an elevation of 2450m, near the summit plateau. Photo / NZ Avalanche Advisory

The completely buried member had an airway excavated within two minutes and everyone was fully excavated within 10 minutes.

No injuries have been reported during the event.

NZ Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley said the party was “extremely lucky” that no one was hurt.

“The incident is an important reminder for anyone heading into the alpine backcountry that avalanches can and do happen.”

Daisley said now was the time to think about avalanche safety and ensure you have all the basics covered.

“If you’re heading into the backcountry, you need the skills, training and the equipment, and you need to check the avalanche forecast every time.”

After the incident, the tour group submitted a public observation to the NZ Avalanche Advisory with details of what happened.

The avalanche occurred at an elevation of 2450m, near the summit plateau. It measured 50m in width and length and had a depth of 40cm.

NZ Mountain Safety Council chief executive Mike Daisley says the party was "extremely lucky" that no one was hurt. Photo / NZ Avalanche Advisory

An avalanche forecast for Tongariro issued at 4.22pm on Thursday, July 17, which covered the following 24 hours, noted multiple avalanche hazards existed. It said alpine areas of the region had experienced significant snowfall, “this has resulted in a wind slab, storm slab and cornice hazard”.

“Alpine backcountry travel will require a conservative mindset. Expect poor visibility and snow showers first thing tomorrow, clearing during the day.”

The observation, which was posted anonymously, said a skier triggered a wind slab while skinning. Also known as uphill skiing, skinning involves using skis with a special removable “skin” to grip the snow when travelling up a slope.