Media statement from NZSki
27 September 2012

Patrollers respond to avalanche outside ski area boundary

A search is underway outside The Remarkables ski area boundary this afternoon after debris from an avalanche was spotted by a member of the ski area patrol.

Debris was spotted on the far side of Lake Alta at approximately 2.45pm this afternoon.

It is not known exactly what time the avalanche happened as there were no witnesses.

The Remarkables ski area invoked emergency procedures to ensure no-one was caught in the avalanche, putting a team of patrollers on the site to carry out a full probe of the debris as a precautionary measure.

They are thoroughly checking the site and examining to see if there are any ski or snowboard tracks into or out of the site, in accordance with safety management programmes.

The police and St John Ambulance were notified of the incident shortly after the debris was spotted.

The avalanche is believed to be approximately 1.5m high, 80m wide and 100 to 120m long.

ENDS

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