Deadly Avalanche Strikes in Chugach Mountains
An avalanche buried three skiers near Girdwood, Alaska. It happened Tuesday afternoon in the Chugach Mountains. These skiers had flown by helicopter to the remote area.
No Survivors Expected
Alaska State Troopers do not believe the men survived. They were buried under heavy snow. Rescuers could not reach them due to deep snow and bad weather.
The Skiers Were on a Heli-Ski Trip
The men were clients of Chugach Powder Guides. They were skiing a well-known run. As they started down, the avalanche struck. Witnesses saw them deploy their air bags. But the snow was too strong.
Search Efforts Begin Immediately
Guides on the scene started searching right away. They picked up signals from the skiers’ emergency beacons. But the snow was too deep. Rescuers had limited resources. They decided it was not safe to continue that night.
Deep Snow Makes Recovery Difficult
The avalanche dumped up to 100 feet of snow. The skiers were likely buried more than 30 feet deep. That made immediate rescue impossible.
Harsh Weather Slows Search Crews
The weather got worse on Wednesday. Rain, fog, and wind kept aircraft grounded. More snow and wind made the mountains even more dangerous.
Avalanche Conditions Were High
Experts had warned of avalanches in the area. A weak snow layer sat beneath heavy snow. The conditions were considered dangerous.
Alaska Ranks High for Avalanche Deaths
Avalanches kill 25 to 30 people in the U.S. every winter. Alaska ranks second for most deaths. The state has recorded 172 avalanche deaths since 1950.
Tragic History of Heli-Skiing in Alaska
Heli-skiing in Alaska is risky. In 2021, Czech billionaire Petr Kellner and four others died in a helicopter crash near Knik Glacier. In 2022, a guide was swept 1,500 feet down a mountain in an avalanche.
What Happens Next?
Rescuers will try again when weather allows. Families are waiting for answers. The mountains remain dangerous.
