Skier killed, 2 others hurt in Alaska avalanche
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU/Gray News) - An avalanche triggered on a mountain slope near the Seward Highway in Alaska left one man dead and two others injured Tuesday afternoon, according to emergency authorities.
Cooper Landing Emergency Services officials said in a social media post crews responded to reports of a slide around milepost 41 of the Seward Highway, a few miles north of the Tern Lake cutoff, around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. Three backcountry skiers were reportedly caught up in the avalanche that was over a mile from the road at a “significant elevation.”
Alaska State Troopers said they first got the call about the avalanche around 2:45 p.m., adding that three men were skiing up the mountain when they triggered the slide.
Two of the men managed to get themselves out, but the deceased, identified by Alaska State Troopers as 28-year-old Anchorage resident Joseph Allen, was nowhere to be found.
Cooper Landing EMS stated the missing skier was found partially buried and was immediately given CPR measures by his ski mates, but he ultimately died before he could be taken to a hospital.
Cooper Landing EMS added that the other two men had head injuries that were not life-threatening. They were taken away by Cooper Landing medics.
The post also reminded anyone venturing into the backcountry to be aware of the weather and snow conditions before heading out and “always be prepared with the appropriate safety gear regardless of how safe and experienced you might be!”
Although the threat of avalanches has decreased from the high risk seen Tuesday, it is still considerable at all levels. Strong easterly winds have led to wind slabs with a continued threat of large human or natural avalanches.
The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center stated that wet avalanches could be triggered below 1,500 feet as temperatures climbed Wednesday.
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