Tūroa ski field partly reopens after 'significant avalanche'

Tūroa ski area. Photo / Supplied

Tūroa ski field has partly reopened after a "significant avalanche" closed it this morning.

The Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa & Tūroa Ski Areas Facebook page posted this morning that routine avalanche control had triggered a significant avalanche and the Tūroa ski field was closed due to heightened avalanche risk.

It said it ran into the ski boundary, but caused no injuries or damage to resort facilities.

According to Mt Ruapehu.com this afternoon, the upper mountain avalanche control had been completed with two significant controlled avalanches triggered.

Mt Ruapehu in July last year. Photo / Greenlea Rescue Helicopter

Control work was continuing at lower elevations and deicers and groomers had been deployed to commence extensive storm clean-up.

The Nga Wai Heke, Giant and High Noon remained closed due to significant storm clean-up and The Movenpick, Parklane, Wintergarden and Alpine Meadow would remain open until 4.30pm today.

LOADED. Thanks for the patience while we completed our avalanche control work from our massive weeks-long storm....

Posted by Mt Ruapehu, Whakapapa & Tūroa Ski Areas on Wednesday, 14 August 2019

e>