A wild video from Washington state shows just how dangerous deep snow can be, even on what looks like a wide-open ski run. The footage, shot at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, captures a man completely buried headfirst in nearly four feet of fresh snow after a major storm. He was unable to move, with only his skis visible above the surface, while other riders rode by, offering no concern or help.
- Related: [VIDEO] Intense Rescue as Skiers Spot Tips and Save Buried Rider’s Life at Palisades Tahoe, CA
In the video, another person quickly recognizes what’s happening and rushes over, digging frantically to uncover the buried skier. Within seconds, they expose his head and upper body, pulling him free from what could have easily turned into a fatal situation. According to reports, the man had fallen forward into the deep snow and became trapped face down, unable to self-rescue.
The incident is eerily similar to an incident that happened at Palisades Tahoe, California, last month, when two skiers spotted the tips of skis protruding from deep snow on February 18 between KT-22 and Olympic Lady. They stopped and dug out a skier found upside down and buried in the deep powder, saving his life. The intense video of the rescue was shared on Threads to emphasize the need to ski with a buddy.
Big Snow Can Also Bring Big Problems: Snow Immersion Suffocation
While the scene might look surprising given the relatively open terrain, it highlights a serious and often misunderstood hazard known as snow immersion suffocation, or SIS.
Snow immersion suffocation occurs when a person becomes buried in deep, unconsolidated snow, often headfirst, and is unable to free themselves. Even without an avalanche, the snow can act like quicksand. Once a skier or snowboarder falls into deep powder, especially in heavy storm conditions, it can be incredibly difficult to regain footing or create space to breathe. Movement only causes the snow to collapse further around the body.
When someone is trapped face down, the situation becomes even more dangerous. Snow can pack tightly around the face, limiting airflow and leading to suffocation within minutes. Unlike avalanches, which are widely recognized as a major hazard, SIS incidents often happen in-bounds at resorts, sometimes just off groomed runs or near tree wells—but as this video shows, they can also happen in open terrain when snow totals stack up.
Storm cycles that deliver several feet of fresh snow, like the one that hit the Cascades, create the perfect conditions for such incidents. Light, deep powder combined with a weak base can make it easy to fall and extremely difficult to recover.
The takeaway is simple but important: deep snow demands respect. Skiing or riding with a partner, maintaining visual contact, and avoiding risky solo runs on stormy days can make all the difference. If someone disappears from view, every second counts. This incident at Snoqualmie Pass ended with a successful rescue, but it’s a powerful reminder that even on a resort run, deep snow can quickly turn into a life-threatening situation.
