Several people have been rescued after an avalanche accident at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California, prompting an emergency response from emergency responders who are now desperately searching for visitors trapped in the snow.
Due to this incident and the approaching strong winter storm, the ski area was closed for the day.
“At approximately 9:30 a.m. today at Palisades Tahoe, an avalanche occurred on the Palisades side, specifically above the GS Gorge area of KT-22,” the resort said in a statement on X, formerly Twitter.
“Our patrol and mountain operations teams are currently conducting a search. “We will update with further information as it becomes available.”
There are currently no official reports of injuries.
The Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California, formerly Squaw Valley, was hit by an avalanche around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday
Rescuers set out with skidoos to find people buried in the snow
Locals reported that the avalanche occurred for the first time this winter just minutes after the KT-22 slope opened
Radio enthusiasts scanning emergency communications suggested one skier had died and one had suffered a broken leg, but all others were reported just before 4 p.m.
Gusts of 100 mph were expected on the ridge today as a winter storm hits the resort.
Unconfirmed reports suggest up to 20 people were rescued from the snow.
But weather forecaster Mark Sponsler, who is based at the resort, said “several” people were missing after the avalanche, which occurred just minutes after the KT-22 slope first opened this winter.
He and his wife arrived Wednesday morning to ski at Palisades Base Area in Olympic Valley.
“Apparently the first group of skiers to ascend the lift slid down into the bowl beneath the lift, triggering a massive avalanche that spanned the entire width of the bowl,” he wrote on Instagram.
“Several people buried.” The patrol is up there right now conducting search and rescue operations. Several people are missing.
“Pray that they are found alive.” Even with little snow, the danger of avalanches is very high. Stay safe and be smart.'
“One person who literally witnessed it told me they saw at least five people disappear in the snow and only one showed up,” he told the SF Chronicle.
“They saw skis and poles sticking out of the snow.”
“This isn’t a small slide, this is a really big deal.”
Sgt David Smith, a spokesman for the Placer County Sheriff's Office, told the Associated Press there were “no confirmed reports” of people trapped, but search teams were investigating the area.
The ski resort, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, covers more than 6,000 skiable acres and receives an average of 450 inches of snowfall each season.
The Weather Channel reported that up to five inches of snow had already fallen at the resort in the past three days.
The Sierra Avalanche Center reported a “significant” avalanche danger for today and tomorrow.
“Dangerous avalanche conditions.” “Careful snowpack assessment, cautious route finding and conservative decision making are essential,” it said.
The red circle on this resort map marks the location of this morning's avalanche
Unconfirmed reports suggest up to 20 people were rescued from the snow
The ski resort, which hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics, covers more than 6,000 skiable acres and receives an average of 450 inches of snowfall each season
Gusts of 100 mph were expected on the ridge today as a winter storm hits the resort
California Governor Gavin Newsom said: “The state is monitoring the avalanche reported at Palisades in Tahoe and stands ready to assist.”
“Cal Fire is deploying resources and personnel to assist in the rescue efforts and will continue close coordination.”
“Although we associate avalanche risk with heavy snowfall and fluctuating temperatures, this is a good reminder that low snow conditions can also lead to dangerous situations,” skimag.com reported.
“Palisades Tahoe is currently reporting a 50-inch base amid ongoing blizzard conditions and gusty winds.”