Skier Dies in Deep Snow Tree Well at Alpental Ski Resort, WA

The King County, WA Sheriff’s Office has confirmed that a skier died at Alpental ski area, WA after falling into a tree well on Saturday.

45-year-old Richard Glade was found face down in a tree well in deep snow at around 2pm on Sunday.

The King County Medical Examiner’s Office reported on Monday that the cause of death was asphyxia due to snow immersion/snow suffocation.

Richard Glade was found quickly after falling into the tree well by three men, one of which had just ridden the chairlift with him. They performed CPR but Richard did not revive. Ski patrol arrived on the scene, continued CPR, and took Richard down to the medical clinic.

Guy Lawrence with Summit at Snoqualmie reports that it appears that Richard was skiing by himself at the time of the accident.

Please always ski and ride with a buddy. Especially in deep snow conditions.