Several avalanches on Whakapapa

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 15, 9 September 1986, Page 24

Several avalanches on Whakapapa

Whakapapa Skifields have experienced their fair share of avalanches this ski season, a constant worry to rangers and ski patrollers. Avalanche forecasts are made twice daily to observe possible danger areas. Over the weekend a large avalanche occurred high up on the skifield with no casualties reported. During the last two weeks three people have been caught in slides and have managed to avoid injury through common sense. Fresh snowfalls follwed by warm conditions can result in avalanche danger. and it is wise to check with rangers for conditions before tackling the higher or less accessible slopes. Saturday was partially cloudy for the morning, then the weather closed in during the afternoon. and was miserable on Sunday with drizzle and damp conditions. A young man from Taupo was injured on the slopes of Whakapapa, at Iwikau Village over the weekend, and was taken to Taumarunui Hospital by Taupo's Phillips rescue helicopter after a tobagganing accident. An assessment carried out by resident Whakapapa doctors and physiotherapist concluded that he may have suffered spinal injuries so it was deemed safer to fly him instead of risk further injury by an ambulance trip. The young man was said to be in a satisfactory condition yesterday.