POLICE, SES, CFA and Parks Victoria rescued two hikers, and 13 people in six vehicles stranded in heavy snow, in separate incidents at Mount Hotham over the King's Birthday long weekend.
The two hikers raised the alarm on Monday morning when they became stranded at Wonnangatta walking track after camping overnight.
Police, with the assistance of Parks Victoria, were able to walk the pair out successfully about 4.30pm.
Meanwhile, 13 people were rescued after their six vehicles became bogged in over 50cms of snowfall on Blue Rag Track and Dargo High Plains Road at Mt Hotham about 10.30pm on Saturday night.
A man in his forties was treated for minor injuries after his vehicle rolled, but he is not expected to suffer any long-lasting effects, nor any other travellers involved.
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Aside from two vehicles which were prepared with their own equipment and accommodation, the vehicles' occupants were escorted by emergency agencies to nearby accommodation for the night.
The Dargo Highway Plains Road was closed to all traffic due to the extreme weather conditions and was not expected to reopen until after the long-weekend.
“We believe the snowfall was probably a bit heavier than was anticipated which may have led to people not being as prepared as they may have been," Inspector Tracy Johnston of the Wangaratta police said.
“Having chains on vehicles is imperative: there are plenty of signs encouraging and asking motorists to have chains on when they’re driving on the icy roads and snow.
"When we have a snow-dump like [this], conditions and warnings can change rather quickly.
“Victoria Police are urging everyone to heed the weather warnings in place, monitor conditions and ensure their vehicles are appropriately equipped for all those conditions.”
Bright SES assisted with the rescue and unit controller Graham Gales ESM said the heavy snowfall caught the stranded motorists by surprise.
"Some motorists didn't have chains, because they were planning on going to the high country, not Hotham as such, so they didn't know the snow would get to them where they were travellin," he said.
"People must make sure they're ready for conditions: have the correct-sized chains and know how to fit them."
SES trainer, James Boler, said planning and preparation are absolutely key when visiting the snowfields.
“Please take heed of these warnings," he said.
"If you are going to travel, make sure you plan for the journey ahead.
“In terms of SES involvement, he had our highly trained Alpine Safety Rescue Members, along with what we call an ARGO 6-wheeled travelling device.
“They attempted to use four-wheeled-drives with chains on, but at some sites, we just can’t do this [manoeuvre].
“Our Falls Creek unit provided four motorised Ski-Doos, which allowed members to get across the snow a lot easier."
Snow-goers are urged to obey road closure signs, and anyone that may have immediate concerns for anybody stranded in the area should call Triple Zero (000).
