UPDATE 3.32pm: One person has died following an avalanche in the Arrowsmith Range area today.

Police were notified of the avalanche at 12.25pm.

One person was trapped in the avalanche and was in a critical condition when recovered at around 1pm.

Tragically they died a short time later.

Nobody is unaccounted for following the avalanche.

Details of the deceased cannot be provided until all necessary next of kin notifications have taken place.

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BREAKING: The Westpac Rescue Helicopter has been called out to a reported avalanche or mudslide in the Mt Arrowsmith area of the Ashburton Lakes.

A spokesperson from GHC Aviation, which operates the service from Christchurch Airport confirmed the call out.

A spokesperson from the Westpac Rescue Helicopter said the Rescue Coordination Centre (RCCNZ) notified them of a possible avalanche or mudslide at 12.18pm.

More to come…