The body of 34-year-old Susana M., who was killed in an avalanche last Sunday lunchtime, was eventually found at 2pm yesterday buried under 4.5m of snow on one of the slopes of Mt. Salvaguardia near Benasque in the Huescan Pyrenees.

On the third day of the rescue mission, 26 soldiers from a military base in Zaragoza had joined more than 30 Guardia Civil officers in the search, and they were supported by six sniffer dogs and a helicopter.

They were hampered in their efforts by a progressive deterioration in the weather and the risk of further avalanches.

She was reported missing by her husband, who escaped unscathed when the avalanche struck.

Hunt continues for avalanche victim
By: thinkSPAIN
Monday, December 8, 2008

Guardia Civil mountain rescue teams supported by three sniffer dogs resumed the search at first light this morning for a 34-year-old woman from Cataluña who was caught in an avalanche yesterday lunchtime close to the Los Llanos del Hospital ski resort in Benasque (Huesca).

The woman was taking a stroll with a male companion along the Camino del Portillón at the foot of the deep snow runs on one of the slopes of Mt. Salvaguardia when the avalanche occurred at around 1.45pm.

Her companion escaped unscathed and raised the alarm, prompting a rescue mission that continued until nightfall.