Two Snowboarders Killed In Australian Avalanche

Two snowboarders (32 and 33-years-old) have died in an avalanche in the remote 6,516-foot Mount Bogong are of Australia’s Victoria Provence’s Alpine National Park.

The first snowboarder’s body was found on Monday via his avalanche beacon’s signal.  He was buried 15 feet deep.  The second snowboarder was found today at 10:30am via probe under 5 feet of snow.  He was 200 feet below where rescuers had found his friends body.

“He was found within the field of debris from the avalanche.  It’s a tragic end to what has been a long and protracted search and a lot of time and uncertainty for the family.” – Inspector David Ryan

These two snowboarders set out into Victoria’s Alpine National Park last Wednesday, July 9th, 2014.  They last communicated with their families on Thursday.  The pair failed to return from their trip on Saturday as scheduled.  Police reported them missing on Sunday morning.  

Map: Jamie Brown

The two snowboarders are reported to have been experienced outdoorsmen.  They were very good friends who had been so since the age of 7.

Retrieval of their bodies has become a complicated issue given the rough terrain and current bad weather.  It’s estimated it will take 8 hours to extract each body.

“It has to go uphill, up to the ridge line and then back to Michell Hut.” – Inspector Ryan

“It will be a lot of brute strength and ropes to slide the sled back up to the top and then it will have to be carried out.” – Inspector Ryan