Snowdonia: body found in search for missing woman and dog in North Wales, after region lashed by wild weather

A woman's body has been found in an urgent search operation for a missing dogwalker in North Wales,

North Wales police had serious concerns for Ausra Plungiene, 56, who had gone missing while walking with her dog in Snowdonia on Tuesday morning (11 April). A major multi-agency search operation was launched in the Conwy Valley area amid forecasts of chilling winds, severe gales and hill snow, which involved police, Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue Team, and the RAF Search and Rescue Team.

On Thursday afternoon (13 April), police confirmed they have recovered a body. Mountain Rescue Team members had made the discovery near to Yr Aryg in the Carneddau mountain range earlier.

While formal identification wa yet to take place, police said Ms Plungiene’s family had been informed. Superintendent Owain Llewelyn said: “Our thoughts are with Ausra’s family at this most difficult time. I can confirm that a dog was found alive at the location."

“I would like to offer my thanks to all involved in the search for Ausra, in what have been extremely difficult weather conditions." He added: "Finally, I would appeal for Ausra’s family to be afforded some privacy during the coming days.”

Ms Plungiene, who lives in the Prestatyn area, was believed to have left for her walk at around 10.30am with her dog, but failed to return home. The alarm was raised shortly before 10pm last night, and North Wales Police coordinated a search across a vast area of Eryri.

Her car was located by officers in the Rowen area during the early hours. Police said Ms Plungiene may have been wearing a dark pink or purple padded jacket, black leggings, and blue shoes.

Superintendent Owain Llewellyn of North Wales Police said all efforts were being deployed to search for her. “We are extremely concerned for Ausra’s safety and I am appealing to anyone who may have seen her or has any information on her whereabouts to get in touch.

“A number of resources were deployed throughout the night to try and find her. Her vehicle was located in a remote car park in Rowen shortly after midnight so we are working to establish which route she may have taken," he said.

Mr Llewellyn added: “Searches are continuing across the area this morning – involving a number of resources including air support, and due to the current inclement weather conditions, I would ask members of the public not to conduct their own searches, and allow our Mountain Rescue colleagues to continue their enquiries”.

Anyone with any sightings or information is asked to contact North Wales Police on 101, quoting incident number A052734.