[VIDEO] Snoqualmie Pass, WA, Skier Rescued After Being Buried Under 48" of Snow While Others Ride By Unaware - SnowBrains

"A wild video from Washington state shows just how dangerous deep snow can be, even on what looks like a wide-open ski run. The footage, shot at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area, captures a man completely buried headfirst in nearly four feet of fresh snow after a major storm. He was unable to move, with only his skis visible above the surface, while other riders rode by, offering no concern or help."

"Snow immersion suffocation occurs when a person becomes buried in deep, unconsolidated snow, often headfirst, and is unable to free themselves. Even without an avalanche, the snow can act like quicksand. Once a skier or snowboarder falls into deep powder, especially in heavy storm conditions, it can be incredibly difficult to regain footing or create space to breathe. Movement only causes the snow to collapse further around the body."

"The incident is eerily similar to an incident that happened at Palisades Tahoe, California, last month, when two skiers spotted the tips of skis protruding from deep snow on February 18 between KT-22 and Olympic Lady. They stopped and dug out a skier found upside down and buried in the deep powder, saving his life. The intense video of the rescue was shared on Threads to emphasize the need to ski with a buddy."

A skier at Snoqualmie Pass Ski Area became completely buried headfirst in nearly four feet of fresh snow after a major storm, with only his skis visible above the surface. A nearby person quickly recognized the emergency and frantically dug to uncover the buried skier, exposing his head and upper body within seconds. This incident mirrors a recent rescue at Palisades Tahoe where two skiers discovered another skier buried upside down in deep powder. These events highlight snow immersion suffocation (SIS), a serious hazard where people become trapped in deep, unconsolidated snow and cannot self-rescue. The snow acts like quicksand, and movement causes it to collapse further around the body, making face-down positions particularly dangerous.

Read at SnowBrains