Avalanche
A 58-year-old heli skier was killed by an avalanche at 2:30pm today in New Zealand’s Hector Mountains near the town of Kingston on the south isle. He was skiing with Southern Lakes Heliski.
“It was confirmed that one skier had been buried in snow. Emergency response procedures were activated immediately.
“At 2.48pm we received confirmation that the skier had been located however, despite the considerable efforts of guides and paramedics, the skier was pronounced dead at the scene sometime later.
“Until our guys come home and debrief there’s very little I can say. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the deceased.” – Jonathan Wallis, Southern Lakes Heliski director
The avalanche danger was rated as “Moderate” at high altitudes at the time of the accident.
This was the third avalanche death this winter season in New Zealand after two Canadians were found dead in an avalanche in late July.
Moderate could be a temperature related trigger. Or a slough point, releasing to a lower layer. And the steepness is an important factor.