Fifty-four people are killed when a small mining community in New Zealand is devastated by 'the snow tiger’ (an avalanche). In the enquiry that followed, the antagonisms and fears of the community are revealed, and a ruthless battle for control of a multi-million pound international mining group starts. And at the storm centre of the enquiry is Ian Ballard, the young director of the mine, whose career and life depends upon being able to clear his name.