Police are reminding snow enthusiasts to take extra care, following a multi-agency response to an injured snowboarder in the Snowy Mountains back country.
Shortly after 12pm yesterday (Tuesday 13 August 2019) a snowboarder contacted 000 after her husband was buried as a result of an avalanche.
The pair were snowboarding outside resort boundaries, an hour’s walk north west of Thredbo.
The man told police he was scaling the ridge in snow shoes for the purpose of snowboarding down, when the snow pack slipped and he was buried.
The man is believed to have sustained a fractured ankle as a result of the slide.
With the assistance of his wife, the man was able to remove himself from the slide and made his way to safe ground.
Police coordinated a multi-agency search effort and obtained the pair’s coordinates. The man and his wife were met by officers from Fire and Rescue NSW Thredbo and conveyed to the Thredbo Medical Centre by over snow vehicles.
The man was treated at the medical centre before being released.
Monaro Police District Commander, Superintendent Paul Condon, said the incident is a timely reminder for snow-goers to remain vigilant.
“We’ve seen great snow falls over the past week, which means the snow is not hard-packed and there is an increased risk of avalanche,” Supt Condon said.
“Even the most capable skiers and snowboarders can get caught out, so please be mindful of changing weather conditions.
“Plan trips according to your capabilities, notify others where you are going, have a communication plan in place in case of emergency and make sure you have plenty of appropriate clothing and equipment.”
