A body has been recovered from Mount Dixon after a person became trapped in an avalanche this morning.
Senior Sergeant Craig Ellison said emergency services were called to the mountain located in the Southern Alps within Aoraki Mount Cook National Park just after 10am.
“A Search and Rescue response was activated, and a short time later, one person was located unresponsive,” he said.
“Despite best efforts by those at the scene, the man was pronounced deceased a short time after being found.”
The body has been recovered, and the death will be referred to the Coroner.
‘Tragic’: NZ Mountain Safety Council
NZ Mountain Safety Council Chief Executive Mike Daisley said the fatality was reported on the east face of Mount Dixon, and described the incident as “a tragic reminder that favourable weather and mountain conditions do not eliminate avalanche risk”.
“The weather and conditions in the Aoraki area are currently favourable for mountaineering and ski touring, and we know this is drawing people into the high alpine, both around Aoraki/Mount Cook and across other mountainous areas of the country,” he said in a statement.
“Although over 48 hours have passed since the most recent storm, avalanche problems can persist. In exposed alpine terrain, the consequences of even a small avalanche can be extreme.”
The NZ Avalanche Advisory, provided by MSC, currently forecasted a moderate avalanche danger for the Aoraki region, with heightened avalanche conditions on specific terrain features.
“Good weather can sometimes create a false sense of security. We’re urging backcountry skiers and mountaineers heading into the mountains during the coming week of good weather to remain vigilant, make conservative decisions and remember that avalanches can persist well after a storm has passed,” said Daisley.
“Always carry avalanche rescue equipment, including a transceiver, probe and shovel, and know how to use it. Favourable conditions do not mean the avalanche danger has disappeared.”