3 Dead in Avalanche near Stevens Pass, WA

By: Ken Price | Date: Sunday February 19, 2012

Up to 12 people have been reported to have been buried in an avalanche in the back country near Stevens Pass in Washington State. Nine of those have said to be recovered and are expected to be fine but unfortunately 3 have died.


In the past couple weeks the Pacific Northwest and Cascades has experienced somewhat warm temperatures which cause the snow surfaces in the mountains to warm up then freeze over night. When colder weather and snow arrives (which it has over the past few days) the lighter snow piles up on the hard packed snow which causes very dangerous conditions. It doesn't take much to cause an avalanche to occur.

Please always ride in the back country with a partner and carry a shovel and beacon if possible. The skiers and riders who lost their lives were said to be very experienced in the mountains. Remember, if you think this can't happen to you it can! Be careful and ride safe.....

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