A Sea King helicopter flew the casualty to Fort William
A climber has died following an avalanche in the Highlands.
A Sea King helicopter from RAF Lossiemouth joined team members from the Kinloss and Lochaber Mountain Rescue Teams at the site on Creag Meagaidh, east of Roybridge after police were alerted at 2.50pm today.
Police said they were initially unsure whether anyone had been caught in the avalanche, but a body was found by rescuers.
A spokesperson for the Northern Constabulary said: “Police can confirm that in relation to the avalanche rescue ongoing in Creag Meagaidh, a casualty has been located by mountain rescue personnel and airlifted by an RAF search and rescue helicopter to Fort William, where unfortunately, the casualty was pronounced dead.
“Mountain rescue personnel are satisfied that there are no other persons outstanding, and there are no reports of any other persons having suffered injury.
“Details of the deceased will not be released at this time.
“The procurator fiscal at Fort William has been informed and will receive a report on the circumstances in due course.”
The sportscotland Avalanche Information Service forecast for today on Creag Meagaidh was for the risk of avalanche to be considerable on east-facing aspects above 700m. There are poorly bonded layers of windslab in sheltered areas and the older snowpack is starting to refreeze.
