Just one day after a missing snowboarder was found dead at Squaw Valley Ski Resort, an avalanche swept away five people. A viral video shows a man trapped beneath the snow as rescuers use their bare hands and shovels to free him.
On scene at Squaw Valley for avalanche. pic.twitter.com/AFWg7zKGfr
— Placer Sheriff (@PlacerSheriff) March 2, 2018
In total, more than 100 professional ski patrollers, emergency responders, and multiple avalanche rescue dogs responded to the incident. A statement from Squaw Valley highlights the impact:
“One guest suffered a serious lower body injury and was transported by North Tahoe Fire Department to Tahoe Forest Hospital. Another guest was rescued by Squaw Valley rescue teams, transported to the Tahoe Truckee Medical Group at the base of Squaw Valley, and then was subsequently released. The three other guests who were caught in the avalanche left the scene unharmed. “
The cause of the avalanche remains under investigation. Squaw Valley closed for the remainder of the day due to the incident and further avalanche danger.
For WeatherNation, Meteorologist Karissa Klos