Avalanche Near Anchorage Traps Multiple Backcountry Skiers

Rescue efforts are underway after an avalanche struck a remote area near Girdwood, Alaska, leaving an unknown number of heliskiers trapped.

The avalanche occurred late Tuesday afternoon near the west fork of 20 Mile River, approximately 40 miles south of Anchorage.
Alaska State Troopers confirmed that multiple individuals were caught in the slide, but the exact number and their conditions remain unknown.
The heliskiing company attempted to recover the trapped skiers but was unable to do so due to the depth of the snow.
Rescue teams plan to access the remote site on Wednesday, potentially requiring aircraft to reach the area far from the Seward Highway.
Avalanches claim 25 to 30 lives annually in the U.S., with this incident adding to a series of recent deadly slides across the country.