Avalanche Death on Hatcher Pass, Alaska Yesterday | 4th Avy Fatality of 2015/16

A snowmobiler died in an avalanche on Hatcher Pass, Alaska yesterday.  He was buried 6-feet deep by the avalanche.  He was dug out relatively quickly, but was dead when his friends reached him.

“An avalanche fatality has been confirmed this evening involving one person on a snowmachine on the Willow side of Hatcher Pass. At this point information is limited. We have been informed that a group of snowmachiners were traveling somewhere around Craggy Creek when their friend was buried approximately 6 feet deep in an avalanche. He was wearing a beacon and dug out fairly quickly, but was deceased.” – Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, yesterday

A skier has been missing on Hatcher Pass since November 23nd, 2015.  He likely died in an avalanche as well, but has not yet been recovered and likely won’t be recovered until spring.

The avalanche danger was rated at “Considerable” at upper elevations where this accident happened yesterday.  “Considerable” is the avalanche rating under which the most people die.

This was the 4th avalanche fatality in North America this winter.  The USA averages 27 avalanche deaths per year.

Learn how to safe in avalanche terrain:  Avalanche Tutorial