Buried Snowmobiler Rescued By Companions In Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche
According to a report from AlaskaSnow.org, a snowmobiler in the Eastern Alaska Range in the Summit Lake Area was fully buried by an avalanche on November 29, 2015. The victim was riding through a creek “when the slope fractured on the bench a hundred yards above him.” The slab that broke was 3-4 feet thick.
The buried individual was lucky that he survived. The rest of his party had beacons and avalanche safety gear. They were able to locate him and get him out of the snow quickly.
This is the second close call due to an avalanche in the Summit Lake Area this season. Read other accident reports here.
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In another report, the Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center wrote this:
“This weekend, the Eastern Alaska Range narrowly avoided tragedy again when for the second time this month a snowmachiner was completely buried in an avalanche in the Summit Lake area. Thankfully, everyone made it out OK.
The avalanche was triggered approximately 100 yards above the snowmachiner as he drove along the base of the slope. He did not have time to deploy his airbag system before the slide enveloped him. Luckily, his hand remained above the surface enough to clear his face.
These may not have been huge “Hollywood” avalanches coursing down mountain sides, but they can be deadly. Even “small” slopes such as the ones in this accident should be treated carefully when the snowpack is unstable.
Stay safe out there folks!”
See images of the avalanche on the Eastern Alaska Range Avalanche Center’s Facebook Page.
UPDATE: A new article from NewsMiner.com has a few more photos and details about this incident.
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