Three skiers were caught in a devastating avalanche in Alaska's Chugach Mountains, resulting in likely fatalities. This incident, prompted by a severe snow slide, could be the deadliest avalanche in the U.S. in two years. The men were part of a guided heli-skiing trip, utilizing helicopters to access remote skiing terrains. Efforts to locate and rescue them are complicated by the depth of snow, with some being buried more than 30 feet deep. A fourth member of the group managed to avoid the slide, while witnesses noted attempts to activate safety air bags prior to the avalanche.
The snow deposited by the avalanche was up to 100 feet deep, and the skiers were likely buried at depths greater than 30 feet, according to Chugach Powder Guides.
Guides from the heli-skiing company attempted to locate the trapped skiers using avalanche beacons and identified a probable area where they were buried.
The victims, all men, were clients from out of state who had been skiing with a guide on a run that's used regularly by the company.
If the deaths are confirmed, it would be the deadliest U.S. avalanche since three climbers were killed in a slide in Washington's Cascade Range two years ago.
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