Rescuers locate two people after avalanche
Two people have been rescued after being partially buried by an avalanche in the Remarkables mountain range.
The skier and snowboarder were in the Doolans backcountry, over the ridge to the southeast of the Sugar Bowl chairlift at The Remarkables skifield, this afternoon. It was outside the managed ski area.
The avalanche was a grade 3-3.5. The crown wall, the start point of the avalanche, was about two meters deep and was about 200 meters long, at about 1800m elevation.
Three helicopters were used to fly in ski patrol staff and dog teams from other ski areas just after 12:15pm.
Police Search and Rescue, Coronet Peak, Remarkables and Cardrona Ski Patrol teams, along with three dogs on scene and an incident management team set up at Remarkables base, assisted in locating the two people.
"Police would like to thank those involved in the search for their swift response that led to locating the pair safe and sound," a police spokesperson says.
"This is a timely reminder that the risk of avalanches in these conditions is real."
The avalanche risk is now moderate, 2 out of 5 on a scale of 1-5.
"Police advise to always assess the conditions and consult with the Avalanche Advisory, Mountain Safety Council site for up to date conditions.
"Be sure to discuss your plans with ski patrol and be equipped with transceivers, shovels and probes that you know how to use.
"Avalanches are unforgiving and dangerous and anyone in areas of risk should consider the safety of themselves and their group to be paramount."
Skiers reported hearing a low rumble at around lunchtime.
