- 3+ skiers trapped in avalanche near popular South Fork Eagle River trail
- Helicopter rescue teams deployed amid unstable snowpack conditions
- 2024 Alaska avalanche fatalities now match 5-year average
Alaska State Troopers initiated emergency protocols Thursday afternoon after receiving distress signals from backcountry skiers in the Chugach Mountain Range. The avalanche struck near Mile 12 of the Glenn Highway, a frequent destination for advanced skiers despite known terrain traps. Real-time weather data from the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center shows increasing wind speeds of 35 mph, exacerbating snow instability.
Historical data reveals 68% of Alaska's avalanche fatalities since 2018 occurred during late-season spring skiing. The Alaska Mountain Rescue Group reports using new RECCO reflector technology in this operation, which reduced search times by 40% during February's Hatcher Pass incident. Paradoxically, backcountry participation has grown 22% since 2020 despite heightened risks.
A 2022 Cordova case study demonstrates improved survival rates when victims deploy avalanche airbags within 3 seconds. Today's rescuers face whiteout conditions mirroring the 2019 Sheep Mountain tragedy where 4 climbers perished. Current protocols mandate rescuers use 457 kHz transceivers, now standard for all certified Alaska wilderness guides.
Industry analysts note a 300% surge in sales for satellite-linked SOS devices following January's fatal avalanche near Thompson Pass. The National Ski Patrol recently mandated avalanche safety training for all Chugach State Park backcountry permit holders – a policy resisted by 31% of local ski clubs in 2023.