Three skiers were buried underneath a massive avalanche in Alaska on Tuesday afternoon after disaster struck.
The avalanche occured close to Girdwood, roughly 40 miles south of Anchorage, and the skiers in question aren’t likely to be found alive, although Alaska State Troopers hadn’t confirmed any deaths as of Wednesday afternoon.
Three skiers who had flown by helicopter to a remote mountain range were swept away by an avalanche and were likely killed under the weight of snow nearly as deep as a 10-story building, Alaska State Troopers said Wednesday. https://t.co/RkCiQDG4vz
— Stephanie (Butzer) Rose (@stephaniebutzer) March 5, 2025
The Troopers did note that “based on the information provided by the operator, unfortunately, we do not believe that any of the three missing persons survived the avalanche.”
A spokesperson discussed the situation with the Associated Press, disclosing that the depth prevented rescue efforts, with weather conditions also a hindrance, though an assessment from the air was in the plans.
“The guides were unable to recover the three skiers due to the depth. Due to considerable avalanche risk in this area and limited daylight, no further recovery operations were conducted on March 4,” spokesperson Austin McDaniel said. “If weather and conditions allow for it, Troopers plan to assess avalanche conditions from the air and determine recovery options with individuals that have experience making avalanche recoveries.”
The Associated Press Says The Snow Blanket Covering The Skiiers Could Be As Deep As A 10-Story Building
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According to said outlet, the blanket of snow that buried the skiers could be as deep as a 10-story building. If the deaths are confirmed, Tuesday’s avalanche would be the deadliest to take place in the U.S. since 2023, when one killed three climbers near Washington’s Cascade Mountains.
Four climbers were swept about 500 feet down the slope after attempting to climb Colchuck Peak. Only one of them survived.
The 56-year-old New York native sustained injuries but was able to confirm that the other three climbers were killed before he made it back to their base camp.
It would be a miracle if the trio of skiers in this recent incident were somehow spared, as the situation looks very bleak.
Still, we hope for the best as our hearts go out to their families.
