Snow Traps Family – Mount Field Rescue Highlights Danger

A recent incident in Mount Field National Park serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and rapidly changing weather conditions that can turn a planned day walk into a dangerous ordeal in Tasmania’s wilderness areas.

Walkers are urged to check forecasts meticulously, carry appropriate gear for all weather eventualities, and ensure they have a means of communication for emergencies.

On Saturday, 19 July, a family of six, including three children, became stranded in heavy snow after attempting a day walk in Mount Field. Police were alerted shortly after 16:30 when the family, unable to access the walking track due to significant snowfall, raised the alarm.

Search coordinator Callum Herbert highlighted the severity of the situation.

“The walkers were advised to return to the nearby Newdegate Hut and await the rescue crew,” he stated.

Extreme weather conditions, including strong winds and nearly a foot of snow, prevented helicopter access, necessitating a foot-based rescue operation by a joint team of police and Ambulance Tasmania wilderness paramedics.

The rescue team reached the family at the hut just before midnight, finding them ‘safe, but cold and wet.’

Due to the hazardous environment and the family’s condition, it was deemed unsafe to walk them out overnight. Medical assistance, food and sleeping bags were provided, ensuring they remained safely sheltered until morning.

Once weather conditions improved, a helicopter was able to extract the group, safely returning them to the visitor centre around 10:30 on Sunday morning.

Authorities are emphasising the critical role the family’s ability to contact emergency services played in their safe retrieval.

“We are thankful the walkers were able to reach emergency services by phone yesterday, or the outcome could easily have been far worse,” Herbert noted.

This incident underscores the importance of thorough preparation and vigilance when venturing into Tasmania’s natural parks. Even on what might seem like a routine day walk, weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly and without warning, transforming a pleasant outing into a life-threatening situation.