One dead in avalanche reported in Southern Alps
· RNZOne person has died in an avalanche in the Arrowsmith Range, in the Southern Alps, this afternoon.
Police and Maritime NZ's Rescue Coordination Centre (RCC) are coordinating a response to the avalanche.
A four-person GCH Aviation helicopter crew is on the ground and Hato Hone St John has sent one helicopter after it was notified just after 12pm.
It was reported to the RCC at about 12.25pm.
Police said nobody was unaccounted for following the avalanche.
"Details of the deceased cannot be provided until all necessary next of kin notifications have taken place," a statement said.
NZ Mountain Safety Council (MSC) said it was aware of a possible avalanche but had no further details.
The NZ Avalanche Advisory, which is owned and operated by the MSC, issues avalanche advisories for the public in 13 alpine regions, but this does not include the Arrowsmith area.
More to come...