GIRDWOOD, Alaska — Authorities in Alaska are striving to reach an avalanche site on Thursday where three skiers are assumed to have been fatally buried beneath the snow. Inclement weather hindered efforts by Alaska State Troopers, avalanche specialists, and recovery teams to access the slide area near Girdwood, approximately 40 miles south of Anchorage, on Wednesday, according to a spokesperson for the troopers.
“We are hopeful that an aerial survey can be conducted today to assess avalanche safety and evaluate potential recovery options,” stated the spokesperson. “The area is accessible solely by air.”
The incident took place on Tuesday afternoon following a helicopter drop-off of skiers at a remote peak in the Chugach Mountains. The avalanche engulfed three skiers who are believed to have been trapped under snow depths exceeding 30 feet.
What transpired? Heli-ski clients and guides were situated roughly 8 miles northeast of Girdwood airport when the avalanche was triggered. The slide initiated at about 3,500 feet and descended to around 700 feet, according to the Chugach Powder Guides, the operator of the trip. Heli-skiing involves helicopters transporting skiers to secluded backcountry locations lacking ski lifts, from which participants ski or snowboard down.
The skiers activated their avalanche air bags—vests designed to keep individuals on or near the surface of a slide—when the avalanche commenced, according to an eyewitness. The deposited snow reached depths of up to 100 feet, and it’s likely the skiers were buried more than 30 feet beneath, stated the spokesperson.
“Three guides immediately initiated a rescue alert and response,” said a statement from the company. Additional guides from nearby helicopters responded, detecting signals from the victims’ emergency beacons, though insufficient resources prevented recovery efforts on Tuesday.
The victims, identified as clients from out of state accompanied by a guide on a routine ski route, were officially named by the Alaska State Troopers on Thursday: Dave Linder, 39, from Florida; Charles Eppard, 39, from Montana; and Jeremy Leif, 38, from Minnesota. Linder, an owner of Subarctic Media, was described by a business associate as a proficient and seasoned skier, fond of adventuring in Alaska’s backcountry.
Who were the victims? Subarctic Media, a Minnesota-based firm, confirmed Linder as a co-owner. A managing partner recounted Linder’s passion for skiing and his status as a dedicated father. Regrettably, the Eppard family has refrained from immediate comment.
What triggered the avalanche? Specialists are withholding speculation regarding Tuesday’s avalanche until they survey the site. Nonetheless, a persistent concern in the region has been a fragile snow layer entombed roughly two feet or more beneath the surface. The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center had forecasted considerable avalanche danger at elevated terrains in the Girdwood area for that day.
Snow and wind conditions on Wednesday contributed to snowpack heaviness, increasing avalanche size and likelihood. Even after the passing storm, conditions were anticipated to remain perilous.
Where did the incident occur? The slide took place in a prime skiing region of Alaska. Girdwood, a tourist-focused community, offers numerous winter activities including skiing and snowboarding at Alyeska Resort, providing stunning vistas of seven glaciers. Numerous tour operators offer additional activities ranging from dog sledding to glacier excursions.
