Fatal Snowy Mountains Highway bike crash the first for Riverina Police District in 2021

The 69-year-old man came off his motorcycle onto gravel near Blowering Dam just before midday on Sunday, and despite efforts of emergency services, the man could not be revived.

Riverina Highway Patrol Acting Inspector Ben Smith said the man was not local to the Riverina, but his family have been notified.

"He was riding with some other friends also on bikes at the time, and they stopped when he came off," he said.

The highway was controlled with stop/stow signage until about 7pm that night, according to Acting Inspector Smith, who said officers were investigating the crime scene to prepare a brief for the coroner.

"The bike has been seized pending that brief, but we are keeping an open mind as to the cause of the accident," he said.

"We have some witness statements and will be testing the mechanics of the bike too."

The death comes as the first for the Riverina Police District in 2021. Acting Inspector Smith said it was an unfortunate reminder of the need to follow road rules and drive to the conditions.

"We have been experiencing heavy traffic in that area due to the hot weather and the attraction of Blowering Dam," he said.

"People also aren't going interstate or overseas as much so there's more local activity.

"It's so important to be careful in that area, or any road for that matter, but in particular the Snowy Mountains Highway can be quite winding and attract a lot of motorbike riders."