Three Skiers Feared Dead After Avalanche Strikes Alaska’s Remote Mountains

Three Skiers Feared Dead After Avalanche Strikes Alaska’s Remote Mountains

Authorities confirmed on Wednesday that three skiers are likely deceased following an avalanche in a remote mountain range in Alaska. The tragic incident unfolded in the Chugach Mountains, located near Girdwood, a skiing community approximately 40 miles south of Anchorage.

Details of the Incident

The three adult skiers were flown via helicopter to the backcountry of the Chugach Mountains for an adventurous skiing excursion on Tuesday, as reported by Alaska State Troopers. Shortly after their arrival, the avalanche struck, sweeping the skiers away.

Rescue Efforts Underway

Guides from the heli-skiing company the group was associated with quickly initiated rescue efforts to locate the missing skiers. They utilized avalanche beacons to pinpoint an area where they believed the skiers were buried under a significant amount of snow, estimated between 40 and nearly 100 feet deep.

Despite these attempts, the depth of the snow posed a severe challenge to immediate recovery efforts. Troopers, while unable to examine the scene, expressed grave concerns about the skiers’ survival chances.

Current Status of Recovery Operations

Several factors played a role in hindering recovery missions, including the pronounced avalanche risk that remained in the area, along with limited daylight hours. According to spokesperson Austin McDaniel, the conditions created a dangerous environment for search and rescue teams.

Victims Identified

The victims, all male and from out of state, were clients of Chugach Powder Guides. A spokesperson for the company, Tracey Knutson, informed The Associated Press that a fourth individual in the skiing group was fortunate enough to avoid the avalanche.

Witness Accounts and Emergency Response

Witnesses reported seeing the men deploy their avalanche air bags, which are inflatable vests designed to help keep victims afloat on the snow’s surface. Knutson added that the guides at the scene quickly issued a rescue alert and commenced rescue response procedures.

Increasing Avalanche Risks This Season

As winter progresses, avalanche incidents have sadly taken the lives of 15 individuals across the United States this season alone. Just last Friday, a separate incident in Washington state resulted in one fatality and left another person injured when three snowmobilers fell victim to an avalanche.

The harsh reality remains that with increased snowfall and unstable snow conditions, the risk of avalanches continues to rise. Skiers and snowboarders are reminded to exercise caution in backcountry areas.

Monitoring the Situation

Authorities continue to monitor conditions in the area as they investigate the avalanche’s impact and review safety protocols for backcountry skiing. The community and fellow skiers alike are urged to remain vigilant during these perilous winter months.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.