Crystal Mountain, Washington – On January 5, 2017 Crystal Mountain ski patrol found the unresponsive body of a 64-year-old woman who had been caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche while ski touring outside of the Crystal Mountain ski area boundaries.
Ski Patrol noticed the avalanche debris on Thursday morning. When they went to investigate, they found a woman’s hand and backpack sticking out of the snow. After searching the debris with rescue dogs and probes, it was determined that the woman was the only victim.
The avalanche accident most likely occurred on the afternoon of Wednesday, January 4, 2017. The woman had parked her vehicle in the ski area parking lot and went ski touring alone. During her ascent, she triggered the avalanche.
According to the Northwest Avalanche Center, the avalanche danger on January 4, 2017 was rated “considerable” near and above treeline and “moderate” below treeline.
Updated 1/6: Find the CAIC Avalanche Accident Report here.
We will try to update this post when more information is available.
According to Avalanche.org, this is the 5th avalanche fatality of the 2016/2017 winter season in the United States:
- 20161227 – White Pass Backcountry, Washington
- 20161223 – Grand Targhee Backcountry, Wyoming
- 20161211 – Henderson Mountain, Montana
- 20161210 – Mt. Rose, Nevada
