14-Year-Old Truckee, CA Boy Survived Hours Under 5-Feet of Snow Following ‘Roofalanche’

SnowBrains |
Squaw Valley, alpine meadows, california, , Truckee
Snowy roofs are a problem. Credit: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

On Wednesday night a 14-year-old boy was playing in a snow cave next to his home in the Serene Lakes area west of Truckee, CA, when the snow slid off an adjacent roof, completely burying him. Nobody witnessed the incident but when he didn’t come inside after a few hours, worried family members began looking for him, couldn’t find him, so-called 911.

The Truckee Fire firefighter/paramedics immediately suspected a roof avalanche and began probing the debris at the bottom of the roof.  They got a hit with the probe, quickly started digging, and recovered the boy alive about 5-feet under the snow.

“We are extremely happy to share this successful rescue because often these don’t turn out as well. Don’t let this or other winter hazards get you or your family this winter.”

– Truckee Fire statement


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