Three Heli-Skiers Presumed Dead After Massive Avalanche in Alaska

The avalanche buried the skiers under snow estimated to be up to 100 feet deep near Girdwood, with poor weather delaying recovery efforts.

The avalanche occurred Tuesday afternoon in Alaska’s Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, a popular backcountry skiing area 40 miles south of Anchorage.
The victims, all male and from out of state, were part of a heli-skiing group guided by Chugach Powder Guides, a company with extensive experience in the region.
Witnesses reported the skiers deploying avalanche air bags, but they were buried under snow at depths ranging from 40 to nearly 100 feet, making immediate recovery impossible.
Poor weather conditions, including rain, wind, and fog, have so far prevented recovery teams and helicopters from accessing the site to assess recovery options.
The avalanche danger in the area was listed as 'considerable' on the day of the incident, with experts warning of weak snow layers and increased risks from ongoing snowfall and strong winds.