One Fatality Confirmed in Alpine Meadows Inbound Avalanche

Photo: Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows

The Placer County Sheriff has confirmed one fatality and another injury in the inbound avalanche that rocked Alpine Meadows Friday morning. The avalanche occurred above the Subway ski run, between Scott Chute and Promised Land near Scott Chair.

The tragic situation unfolded around 11 am Friday when Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue responded to the scene looking for missing persons amidst the fallen snow at the popular Tahoe ski resort. The Sierra Avalanche Center reported considerable avalanche danger across the Sierra following a dense winter storm that hit Thursday.

A male skier sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced deceased by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 11am. A second male skier sustained severe lower-body injuries and was transported to the hospital by ambulance. The name of the deceased has not been revealed.

“The entire Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows team, including all of the first responders, extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased,” resort officials said in a statement. “We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care.”

Map of the base area of Alpine Meadows, including the Subway ski run where the avalanche occurred.

While avalanches in the Sierra aren’t uncommon, the inbounds location of the Alpine Meadows avalanche is somewhat surprising. Here is an update from the Placer County Sheriff:

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