Tragic Snowslide Death in Mid-Canterbury
In a tragic turn of events, an avalanche occurred on Pito Peak in the South Ashburton Range on Wednesday, 25 September, resulting in one fatality. MSC extends its sincerest condolences to all those affected by this incident.
The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA), owned and operated by MSC, issues avalanche advisories for 13 alpine regions across New Zealand. These advisories are intended for public recreation, not for commercial operations, and can be found on avalanche.net.nz. The alpine community in Aotearoa is small and tight-knit, with a shared passion for the mountains that binds them together.
When selecting regions for avalanche advisory coverage, the NZAA considers several key factors. These include recreational use intensity, avalanche hazard severity, the availability and representativeness of meteorological and snow data, and quantified risk metrics for visitors and workers in alpine areas. The 13 NZAA forecasting regions are chosen to cover large areas and provide guidance for public backcountry travel.
Commercial backcountry operators have their own audited safety management systems, and individuals and groups are required to assess avalanche conditions, including snowpack and terrain decisions, based on their specific location and the weather they are experiencing on the day.
It is highly recommended that all backcountry snow enthusiasts stay up to date with the latest avalanche advisory for their region. The NZAA assesses regions for forecasting inclusion annually to ensure the best service to the public.
The NZAA's mission is to reduce the risk of avalanche accidents and fatalities in the backcountry by providing accurate and timely avalanche advisories. This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the importance of staying informed and making safe decisions when venturing into the backcountry.
MSC extends its sincerest condolences once more to all those affected by this unfortunate event. The mountain community stands together in support and remembrance.
- The New Zealand Avalanche Advisory (NZAA) ought to emphasize the relevance of their avalanche advisories, especially after the fatal accident on Pito Peak, to help prevent similar incidents in general-news related to sports like skiing or snowboarding.
- Despite the smaller scale of commercial backcountry operations compared to the alpine community, it's crucial for these operators to maintain audited safety management systems and regularly assess weather and terrain conditions, just as public backcountry travelers should stay updated with the NZAA's avalanche advisories to minimize accidents, especially in sports where these risks are higher.
