A serious avalanche was reported in the Tongariro region of New Zealand on Friday, July 18th, 2025. A party of six was ski touring in the Mount Ruapehu backcountry (near Glacier Knob) when they triggered an avalanche while skinning up the mountain.
Four members of the party were partially buried, one was buried with only their face and arm free, and one was completely buried with only their hand protruding. The member who was completely buried had airway excavated within two minutes and the entire party was fully excavated within 10 minutes. No injuries were reported.
The group submitted a public observation to the New Zealand Avalanche Advisory. Read the full report below.
New Zealand Avalanche Advisory Comments:
“Avalanche triggered whilst skinning. Four members of party partially buried. One member buried with only face and arm free. One member completely buried with only hand protruding. Buried member had an airway excavated within two minutes. Everyone fully excavated within ten minutes.”
 Friday 18th July 2025, 15:00:
Description: Skier triggered wind slab
Estimated Trigger Time: 12 hours before observation
Length: 50 metres
Width: 50 metres
Depth: 40 cm
Size: 1.5
Character: Wind Slab
Aspect: North
Elevation: 2450 metres
Group Size: 6
People Caught: 6
