Video: Three people swept away in avalanche near Treble Cone

Four people had a near miraculous escape from an avalanche near the Treble Cone ski field this afternoon.

Video supplied by the Mountain Safety Council shows a group of four people standing on the snow when the avalanche then sweeps three of the four people away.

 All four people survived with one person sustaining only minor injuries. This was one of two human triggered avalanches near Wānaka today.

Staff at the nearby Treble Cone ski field said they were aware of the incident but refused to supply further details as it was outside the official, patrolled ski area and was being handled by police.

The Mountain safety Council issued the following statement.

"This rare footage — capturing a very serious, potentially life-threatening avalanche — shows one of two human-triggered avalanches reported in the Wānaka region today.

“Today’s incidents are a sobering reminder that avalanche danger is very real,” says MSC Chief Executive Mike Daisley. “While details are still limited at this early stage, both avalanches occurred in backcountry terrain outside the ski area boundary. Given the current conditions, travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended in this area.” 

The NZ Avalanche Advisory, provided by MSC, is currently forecasting a “High” avalanche danger in the Wānaka region. This follows recent spring snowfalls combined with high winds and poor snowpack stability. 

Fortunately, no injuries have been reported from either incident. 

““High” danger means very dangerous avalanche conditions exist. Natural avalanches are likely and human-triggered avalanches are very likely” says Daisley. “At this danger rating, the alpine backcountry is not a sensible place to be.”  

MSC stresses that anyone entering the backcountry must have the necessary training, skills, and equipment to manage avalanche risk. 

“It’s vital that backcountry users follow the travel advice in the NZ Avalanche Advisory and adjust their plans accordingly,” Daisley says. “That means avoiding avalanche terrain when the danger is elevated, recognising signs of instability, and always carrying the essential rescue gear—beacon, shovel, and probe. Preparation and informed decisions save lives.” 

Police told Crux that the incident happened one to two kilometres from the patrolled area but had no further details of the rescue operation.

The Southern Alps of New Zealand have been under an extended avalanche warning this week and backcountry experts say that the group of four people were ill-advised to be in the area.

The Mountain Safety Council posted video of a dramatic avalanche near Mount Cook earlier this week as a warning to all backcountry users to show extreme caution.

Video courtesy of Kerry Bellringer/NZ Avalanche Advisory/NZ Mountain Safety Council