Three Heli-Skiers Presumed Dead in Massive Alaskan Avalanche Near Girdwood

Three heli-skiers are feared dead after being caught in a significant avalanche in the Alaskan backcountry, according to reports from the Alaska Department of Public Safety. The incident occurred near Girdwood, a small resort town in southern Alaska, around 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday. The skiers, who were part of a heli-skiing group, are believed to be buried under a substantial amount of snow, estimated to be between 40 and 100 feet deep.

The Alaska Wildlife Troopers provided details in a dispatch on Wednesday, stating that the guides accompanying the skiers used avalanche beacons to locate the area where the skiers were likely trapped. Despite these efforts, the depth of the snowpack, which could be as much as 100 feet, poses significant challenges to rescue operations. This depth is comparable to the height of a 10-story building, complicating any potential recovery efforts.

Austin McDaniel, a spokesperson for the Alaska State Troopers, conveyed to The Associated Press the grim outlook for the missing skiers. He stated that authorities do not believe any of the three individuals survived the avalanche. The incident highlights the inherent risks associated with heli-skiing in remote and avalanche-prone areas.

The avalanche near Girdwood underscores the unpredictable nature of backcountry skiing and the importance of safety measures such as avalanche beacons. As rescue teams continue to assess the situation, the focus remains on understanding the circumstances that led to this tragic event and preventing similar occurrences in the future.