Avalanche
Updated March 25, 2025, 3:15 a.m.
On March 23, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., the remains of a teenage snowmobiler were recovered from the field by the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group and transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, according to the Alaska State Troopers. The Next of kin notifications have been completed.
A young snowmobiler was killed in an avalanche on Seattle Ridge in Turnagain Pass, Alaska, on Saturday, March 22. The incident occurred at 2:34 p.m. when the Alaska State Troopers received a report of the fatality. The boy triggered the avalanche while riding with a group on the backside of the ridge, northwest of the Seward Highway.
“On March 22, 2025, at 2:34pm, the Alaska State Troopers received a report of a fatal avalanche in Turnagain Pass. A group of snowmachiners were riding on the backside of Seattle Ridge, which is northwest of the Seward Highway. Witnesses stated that a juvenile male triggered an avalanche and died after being buried. His body is located in an unstable area and the Alaska Rescue Mountain Group will attempt to safely recover his body on Sunday, March 23. Next of kin notifications have been completed. ”
– Alaska State Troopers daily dispatch
Witnesses confirmed that the boy was caught and buried in the slide. His body remains in an unstable area, making recovery efforts hazardous. The Alaska Rescue Mountain Group plans to attempt a recovery operation today, March 23, once conditions allow for safe access. Notifications to the victim’s next of kin have been completed.
Turnagain Pass is a popular destination for snowmachines and backcountry enthusiasts, but is also known for its significant avalanche risks. The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center (CNFAIC) reported “considerable” avalanche danger in the area for the day, warning, “It has been three weeks since the avalanche danger has dropped below considerable because of a weak layer of buried surface hoar causing widespread large human triggered avalanches. This layer is now buried 2-3′ deep and remains our primary concern. The only way to avoid this problem is by sticking to low angle slopes and avoiding steeper terrain overhead. Surface snow issues including wind slabs up to 1′ deep and sun-triggered avalanches within the new snow are also a concern today.” There had been 13″ of fresh snow in the previous four days, although none on the day of the accident.
The fatality is the 22nd avalanche-related death of the 2024-25 season in the US, the fourth in Alaska, and the 26th in North America.
