Three skiers caught in avalanche; recovery operation underway in Alaska
A recovery effort was underway Thursday after an avalanche buried at least three skiers in Alaska this week.
Alaska State Troopers reported multiple skiers had been trapped in an avalanche near Anchorage on Tuesday.
The disaster took place about 3:30 p.m. near the West Fork of 20 Mile River near Girdwood.
Using avalanche beacons, guides identified the likely area where skiers were buried between 40 and nearly 100 feet deep. The guides were unable to recover the three skiers due to the depth, troopers reported.
Poor weather conditions in the area prevented helicopter flights and kept crews from assessing the area on Wednesday, state law enforcement said.
"Troopers are optimistic that weather conditions will improve on (Thursday) March 6th to allow for flights in the area," the statement reads.
Who went missing in Alaska avalanche?
Troopers have identified the three missing people who were caught in the avalanche as:
- David Linder, 39 of Florida;
- Charles Eppard 39, of Montana;
- Jeremy Leif, 38, of Minnesota.
Crews were slated to attempt an aerial assessment of the slide area on Thursday to determine additional avalanche danger and recovery options.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.