3 Dead, 8 Missing From Stevens Pass Avalanche

UPDATE: The 8 unaccounted for individuals from the Stevens Pass avalanche today has been accounted for, leaving the death toll of this particular slide at 3.

A separate avalanche today however, claimed a fourth life in the Cascades. The Seattle Times reports that:

“At Alpental, the snowboarder was with a friend underneath a cliff when they became buried in snow shortly before noon, authorities say. The snowboarder’s friend got out and called for help, but rescue workers were unable to find him until an hour and a half later. By the time they reached him, the snowboarder was unconscious and could not be revived. Initial reports said the snowboarder went over a cliff at Alpental, but authorities later pointed to the avalanche.”

Original Story:

An avalanche near the Stevens Pass ski area just after noon today (Sunday) has claimed 3 lives so far. Eight others are still thought to be missing as rescue crews continue to search the debris. Stevens Pass in the Cascade Mountains northeast of Seattle, and this tragic avalanche occurred in an out-of-bounds area near the resort.

According to King5 News,

“the avalanche occurred at Tunnel Creek Canyon Road just outside of Skykomish.”

Originally, two people were reported dead from the slide, however a third victim was reported shortly after and up to 8 others were reported missing after that. It is unknown at this time if anyone is still missing.

We will watch for updates. Our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.