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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

In This Edition:

Tackling avalanche risk at Milford, NZ (Video)

The road from Te Anau to Milford Sound, State Highway 94, has been subject to several closures in recent days, due to snow blocking the highway and the avalanche risk. Until the late 1970s, the avalanche danger saw the Milford Road closed all winter. The avalanche control programme was established in 1983 to predict and manage risk from snow, ice and avalanches more effectively, while allowing year-round operation.

In 2023, the Milford Alliance avalanche programme won the International Road Federation’s Global Road Achievement Award for Programme Management. The selection was made by an independent, international panel of judges with expertise in the road development industry.

In 2023, the Milford Alliance avalanche programme won the International Road Federation’s Global Road Achievement Award for Programme Management. The selection was made by an independent, international panel of judges with expertise in the road development industry. “The avalanche programme that we undertake each year is internationally recognised. We take very seriously the responsibility to keep visitors to Milford safe” says Milford Road Alliance Manager, Kevin Thompson.

Check out some helicopter video footage of avalanche mitigation work on Saturday, where the avalanche lands on the western side of the Homer Tunnel at a location called Avalanche Creek.

More ... (NZ Transport Agency)

3 soldiers killed as avalanche hits Siachen base camp

September 10, 2025 - Three Army soldiers lost their lives after an avalanche struck their camp at the Siachen glacier in Ladakh. Officials said the soldiers were buried under snow for nearly five hours before rescue teams could reach the site. Despite efforts to save them, all three succumbed. Officials said immediate rescue operations were launched with specialised teams and equipment. Siachen glacier is the world's highest battlefield, where extreme weather and treacherous terrain often pose greater threats. The deceased soldiers were identified as Sepoy M Kumar, Agniveer D Rakesh and Agniveer Neeraj Kumar Choudhary.

[ Note: This was probably an icefall avalanche from the glacier. ]
More ... (Brighter Kashmir)

Recco from helicopter trial successful in NZ

Wakatipu Land Search and Rescue volunteers successfully trialled a RECCO detector device from a helicopter over the lower rocky outcrops of The Remarkables earlier this week. Volunteer Johnny Franklin says the RECCO system is more widely used in Europe and North America. Its reflectors are imbedded in outdoor clothing and equipment. “People can buy gear locally that has RECCO imbedded. It’s passive and doesn’t need a battery, charging, or any maintenance,” Franklin says. “It’s possible to purchase a device separately too and attach it into clothing, jackets or equipment like packs.

“We have one of these detector devices available in the South Island and one in the North Island now,” Franklin says. “They’re really helpful if a person is missing in bush or snow, or other difficult terrain, and the missing person doesn’t have to have a reflector to be found, although it definitely helps,” he says. It can also pick up a return signal from electronic devices, whatever their state. “It’s capable of detecting other incidental electronics like mobile phones, personal locator beacons, head torches, even if they’re not activated, are switched off or flat.”
More ... (Lakes Weekly)

National Ski Patrol Title Sponsors National Avalanche School

National Ski Patrol (NSP) announced it will be the new title sponsor of the National Avalanche School (NAS), reinforcing its long-standing commitment to professional avalanche education. This sponsorship will give ski patrollers and other snow professionals access to the highest level of avalanche training and resources available, directly supporting NSP’s mission to reduce avalanche-related incidents, injuries, and fatalities across the industry.

This year, nine NSP patrollers have been awarded scholarships to attend the National Avalanche School, thanks to the support of NSP partners Mammut and North American Rescue Dogs (NARD). They begin their training on Oct. 12-16 in South Jordan, Utah. These scholarships give dedicated patrollers the opportunity to strengthen their avalanche knowledge and bring life-saving expertise back to their teams and communities.
More ... (Snow Industry News)