The body of a deceased female skier was recovered from the base of Pebble Creek’s Moraine Falls above Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park on June 8, following an extensive search operation initiated on May 19.
Park rangers commenced the search in response to a report of an overdue skier who was last heard from on May 18 before setting out on a ski tour above Paradise.
Search efforts involved ground teams of rangers exploring the Deadhorse Creek Basin, Panorama Face, and Alta Vista areas, looking for tracks over the Nisqually drainage. Climbing rangers from Camp Muir conducted searches of the Nisqually and Paradise glaciers and the Muir Snowfield to Pebble Creek and Panorama Point. Additionally, a team of volunteers assisted with visual searches of the Nisqually drainage.
During a reconnaissance flight by the park’s contract helicopter, an unresponsive individual was located, appearing to have fallen approximately 200 feet to the base of a waterfall. However, a large, unstable snow moat and rock and ice fall risk posed significant risks to recovery teams, initially delaying the operation.
Seizing a favorable weather window, rangers employed traditional crevasse rescue methods to successfully recover the body. The park’s contract helicopter then transported the remains to Kautz Creek Helibase for evaluation by the Pierce County Medical Examiner.
Investigations into the circumstances surrounding this incident are ongoing. The park’s website provides valuable information and resources for visitors exploring the area safely.
