Hikers rescued after becoming lost in Mount Kosciuszko blizzard
A pair of hikers have been rescued from a dangerous blizzard in the shadow of Australia's tallest mountain, with shocking footage showing the treacherous conditions they faced.
The 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman became stranded in a blizzard below Mount Carruthers, about 3km from Mount Kosciuszko, on Saturday, with rescue efforts hampered by a 'white out' blizzard and strong winds.
Alpine rescue staff from the SES and police had gone out to help the pair, along with paramedics and the police rescue squad.
About midday on Saturday, the rescue party got within 1.2km of the stranded bushwalkers, but the extreme conditions forced them to turn back.
Specialist emergency services were then forced to take over the search, and were finally able to reach the pair, who were unharmed, in the early hours of Sunday.
About 10.30pm the specialist alpine police and SES crews hiked to the stranded pair.
Footage released by police shows at least nine people trudging through darkness, as wind drives snow sideways.
Just after midnight Sunday, the pair were escorted to a makeshift camp set up by rescuers, but the group had to wait there again as the Snowy River rose, and more strong winds and heavy snowfall inhibited their descent.
Everybody got off the mountain about 4am Sunday, police said.
The incident comes as the ski season officially kicks off in Australia's alpine regions.
Monaro police Acting Inspector Andrew Woods said bushwalkers need to be prepared and should consult checklists such as the Think Before Trek guide.
'As we move into the snow season, it's vital that Kosciusko National Park users are properly prepared before venturing into alpine regions.
'It's highly recommended that park users monitor weather forecasts closely and continually as conditions change quickly.
'The use of the online National parks and Wildlife Services Trip Intention Forms and personal locator beacon is strongly encouraged.'
The ski resorts at Mount Kosciuszko have received up to 30cm of snow since Saturday - the official start of ski season in Australia.
In Victoria, more than 20 people became stranded in their cars about 10.50pm on Saturday near Mount Hotham.
The convoy was snowed-in overnight into Sunday, remaining stuck for about 19 hours as more than 50cm of snow fell.
A man in his 40s had minor injuries after his vehicle rolled, and a fire truck became stuck after being deployed to help.
Rescue crews rode snowmobiles into the Blue Rag Range Track, near Dargo High Plains Road, with
People in the stranded vehicles had food, water and protection from the elements, emergency services said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
ABC News
13 hours ago
- ABC News
NSW Snowy Mountains hikers warned after couple's blizzard rescue
Authorities have urged people hiking in the Snowy Mountains to monitor weather forecasts after a couple was rescued in blizzard conditions over the King's Birthday long weekend. Emergency services were called on Saturday morning to reports a man and woman were stranded in the snowstorm on the Kosciuszko Walking Trail, below Mount Carruthers. NSW Police officer Andrew Woods said the operation to rescue the 31-year-old man and 28-year-old woman took more than 20 hours due to poor conditions. "The high winds, the snow was falling, there was a lot of snowfall over that time," Acting Inspector Woods said. An alpine rescue crew, which included NSW Police and State Emergency Service members, set out on foot before harsh conditions set in just after midday. "They were forced to turn around and disengage the search due to the white-out and weather conditions," Inspector Woods said. Rescuers found the couple after midnight on Sunday, guiding them to the command post at Charlotte Pass about 4am, more than 20 hours after the original call for help was sent. According to the Bureau of Meteorology, temperatures reached as low as -2.7 degrees at Perisher Valley when the couple was stranded between Saturday and Sunday. No injuries have been reported. The couple had set off on a hike on Friday evening, with "reasonable equipment" before setting up camp in harsh conditions when their tent poles became damaged. "They didn't consider the conditions that were coming and unfortunately set up in probably not the best location," Inspector Woods said. The couple were not carrying a personal locator beacon and contacted authorities through a mobile phone. Inspector Woods said it was a timely reminder to take caution in the alpine region during winter. "If you know bad weather is coming maybe reconsider the need to go camping or hiking in those conditions," Inspector Woods said. The NSW snow season officially started at the weekend, with some resorts receiving 65 centimetres of snow across the three days. Emergency services had to rescue three men on Tuesday last week who were caught in a snowstorm at Seaman's Hut on the Kosciuszko Park Main Range. Police said the trio were not dressed for the conditions, had not filled out a trip intention form and were not carrying enough water or a personal locator beacon. Across the border in Victoria, a major rescue operation was conducted on Monday after several cars and two hikers became stuck at Mount Hotham. A vehicle also needed rescuing from the snow in NSW on Saturday morning. Acting Inspector Woods said it was crucial that people knew whether their vehicles are equipped to drive in alpine conditions. "Carry snow chains or [make sure] you've got appropriate tyres," he said. Snowy Mountains SES commander Malika Bailey said people were slowly becoming more aware of snow safety messaging. "Prepare, have a good plan in place and maybe a plan B as well in case if there is a problem. "We all get caught from time to time."
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
How to avoid getting your car stuck on snowy roads this winter
Heavy snowfall during the opening weekend of Australia's ski season has led to multiple emergency rescues as people became trapped in their cars. In Victoria alone, about 20 people had to be rescued from vehicles on alpine roads. With winter only just beginning, authorities are urging drivers to prepare for alpine conditions and understand what to do if they get stuck in the snow. Gippsland emergency services responded to calls of people trapped in vehicles after becoming stuck in heavy snow on Mount Hotham on Saturday. Across the border in New South Wales, search crews spent more than 20 hours rescuing two bushwalkers stranded in blizzard conditions near Mount Kosciuszko. Police continue to respond to the ongoing snow conditions at Mount Hotham, with a rescue of two hikers also underway on the Wonnangatta walking track. Bright SES unit controller Graham Gales said the main cause of people getting stuck in the snow was not carrying chains. "Some inexperienced drivers there, some people who hadn't checked the weather forecast and gone in ill-prepared for even light snow." Victoria Police Eastern Region Division Four Superintendent Joy Arbuthnot said police turned back 14 drivers a day at Mt Hotham last season because they did not have snow chains. "That's not just a statistic, it's almost 1,500 drivers who put themselves, their passengers, and others on the road at serious risk," Superintendent Arbuthnot said. "Without snow chains, your car simply won't grip on icy roads. "We've seen cars slide off the edge of mountainsides, families stranded in dangerous conditions, and collisions that could have been avoided." Mr Gales recommended passengers trapped in stuck vehicles reach for any warm camping gear on hand, such as sleeping bags, and preserve fuel. "There are also issues with diesel engines that will freeze up … and not be able to start," he said. "You've got to be able to get in and locate those people and get them out." Snow-goers have been warned to obey road closure signs to allow emergency services to continue their search of the area and identify whether any more people require rescue. At Harrietville, members of Highway Patrol are understood to be travelling in the region, warning people they will be fined if they have snow on the roof or windshield of cars that could fall off and pose a danger to other drivers. In Victoria, all vehicles travelling to alpine regions during the declared snow season must carry wheel chains and fit them when instructed. Failure to carry them can result in a $395 fine, and a $988 fine for not fitting them when directed. These rules differ in NSW, where 4WD and AWD vehicles do not require chains to enter the Kosciuszko National Park, but all 2WD vehicles must carry snow chains. According to The Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), preparing your car before heading to the snow is paramount. The RACV's advice to drivers includes: Falls Creek recommends people visiting alpine resorts drive slowly in snow and ice conditions, allow plenty of room between vehicles, and avoid using cruise control. It recommends drivers who are stuck do not spin their wheels or rev the vehicle as this will dig the car further into snow. Instead, drivers should put the vehicle into as high a gear as possible and slowly manoeuvre forwards and backwards, to gently creep out. When parking a vehicle, Transport Victoria recommends positioning front wheels away from the slope, putting manual vehicles in first gear, and lifting wiper blades up to avoid them freezing onto the windscreen.
ABC News
2 days ago
- ABC News
Fire - Building Fire - David St, Lalor
BTN takes a look at SES rescues When severe weather hits, many turn to the SES. This video from ABC Behind The News is a great way to show young people what the SES does and just how important volunteers are during severe weather.
