An avalanche at Squaw Valley Ski Resort swept up five guests, one of whom suffered a serious lower-body injury Friday afternoon. Out of the five guests, one other was transported and released, and the three left the scene unharmed.
Squaw Valley Ski Patrol and Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol immediately responded to the scene, and were joined by Placer County Sheriff’s Office, North Tahoe Fire, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and Homewood Ski Patrol. In total, over 100 professional ski patrollers, emergency responders, and multiple avalanche rescue dogs responded to the incident.
After performing numerous searches, the scene was cleared, and the Placer County Sheriff's Office confirmed in a tweet that all parties were accounted for.
5 p.m. UPDATE: Deputies have confirmed that there are no other victims involved in the #avalanche after searching with K-9’s and probes. There were no life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/m3DlFeJlsr
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) March 3, 2018
The resort says that the trigger of the avalanche is unknown at this time, but a full investigation of the incident, and its cause will be conducted.
The Placer County Sheriff's Office says they are on scene of an avalanche at Squaw Valley Ski Resort.
Squaw Valley is closed for the remainder of the day due to avalanche hazard.
The Washoe County Emergency Management avalanche expert says a Stage 1 Avalanche Warning has been issued for the residents of Crystal Bay/Third Creek subdivisions. They say all pedestrian activity on and around the avalanche terrain should be suspended until at least Saturday morning.Â
At this time, evacuation of homes in the specified high avalanche hazard areas is not advised. It could be recommended later if the storm progresses.
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