One Fatality Confirmed in Alpine Meadows Inbound Avalanche
The Placer County Sheriff has confirmed one fatality and another injury in the inbound avalanche that rocked Alpine Meadows Friday morning. The avalanche occurred above the Subway ski run, between Scott Chute and Promised Land near Scott Chair.
PCSO deputies & our Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue (TNSAR) team has responded to #AlpineMeadows Ski Resort for avalanche near the Subway ski run. One fatality and one serious injury confirmed. #Avalance #cawx pic.twitter.com/4CwsqjjZOW
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) January 17, 2020
The tragic situation unfolded around 11 am Friday when Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue responded to the scene looking for missing persons amidst the fallen snow at the popular Tahoe ski resort. The Sierra Avalanche Center reported considerable avalanche danger across the Sierra following a dense winter storm that hit Thursday.
A male skier sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 11am. A second male skier sustained severe lower-body injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The name of the deceased has not been revealed.
“The entire Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows team, including all of the first responders, extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased,” resort officials said in a statement. “We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care.”
While avalanches in the Sierra aren’t uncommon, the inbounds location of the Alpine Meadows avalanche is somewhat surprising. Here is an update from the Placer County Sheriff:
Sgt. Powers near the scene with the latest on the avalanche at #alpinemeadows 1 confirmed fatality,2nd victim with serious injuries on the way to a hospital. SAR volunteers looking for more potential unaccounted victims. Ski resort still open, but area near Subway ski run closed. pic.twitter.com/DC209XK2g1
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) January 17, 2020
