Body Of Skier Found After Avalanche On Closed Run At Mt. Rose Ski Resort Near Lake Tahoe (Updated)

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Mountain Journey
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Body of Skier Found After Getting Caught In An Avalanche After Skiing A Closed Run Called Jackpot Chute At Mt. Rose Ski Resort

Mt. Rose Ski Resort, Nevada – On December 10, 2016 two male skiers hiked up and skied a closed run called the Jackpot Chute at Mt. Rose Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe. While in Jackpot Chute they were caught in an avalanche. One 64-year-old skier is currently missing after the incident. The other man escaped and notified authorities at around 10:15 AM.

Avalanche Debris - Pixabay
Avalanche Debris | Stock Pixabay Image

Due to the fact that the run was closed, a backcountry search was initiated. Washoe Search & Rescue, North Lake Tahoe Fire, Truckee Meadows Fire and Mt. Rose Ski Patrol responded to the scene and began search and rescue efforts. They have so far been unsuccessful. The search was called off for the night due to dangerous conditions and will resume on Sunday morning.

The skier did not have the necessary avalanche safety equipment such as beacon, shovel, or probe. Sierra Avalanche Center rated the avalanche danger on December 10, 2016 as “considerable.” RGJ.com notes it was a slab avalanche with a crown between 2 to 4 feet. The cause of the avalanche is currently undetermined.

This appears to be the first avalanche fatality in the US this season.

UPDATE 12/11: 

  • After several hours of searching rescuers found the body of the missing man at around 1PM on December 11, 2016. (Fox40.com).
  • RGJ.com reports that the avalanche stepped down through “multiple weak layers of snowpack.” It is thought to have been triggered by the skier. The “avalanche was 350 feet wide, moved 1,000 feet and was as deep as 10 feet in places.” The body was buried in 8 to 10 feet of snow.
  • The Sierra Avalanche Center reports that the slide happened on a 40 degree, north facing slope at 9200 feet near treeline. Read their full report of the avalanche incident and see photos here.


UPDATE 12/13:

  • RGJ.com identified the avalanche victim as Thomas Barker, 64 from Aptos, CA.

We will try to update this post with more information when it becomes available.

Read more about the skier who went missing in an avalanche at Mt. Rose: