A climber is dead after falling into a Crater Lake on Mt. Ruapehu, New Zealand.
This afternoon, RAL patrollers were called to assist with a rescue at the Mt Ruapehu Crater Lake. One person, a climber, has been confirmed dead after falling into the lake. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of those involved in this tragedy, the second fatality at the crater lake in two years.” – Mt. Ruapehu, Whakapapa & Turoa ski areas, today
According to witnesses, it appears the man fell into the lake after slipping on ice. Mt Ruapehu’s crater lake’s temperature was between 32 and 33degC. The water is also notably acidic.
However, the treacherous terrain surrounding are likely what killed the man. During spring conditions, like New Zealand is currently experiencing, the ice and snow surrounding the crater is turned into icy cliffs the extend down to the water. Without proper equipment it would make getting out very difficult.
This was the second death in Mt. Ruapehu’s Crater Lake within the past year. A man fell into the lake and died on September 30th, 2017.