A slide on Hatcher Pass this past Saturday claimed the life of Dashiell “Dash” Erickson in what some are calling a ‘freak avalanche’ reports the Alaska Dispatch News.
The accident occurred at approximately noon on Saturday in what is considered conservative terrain. The avalanche struck Erickson while he was riding in the Cragie Creek area with two other snowmobilers. According to the Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center, the victim was buried approximately 6 feet under snow and by the time his partners reached his body, he had already passed away.
Everyone in the group was equipped with standard avalanche safety equipment in addition to airbags.
Upon digging out Erickson, his two friends attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful in their attempt.
The avalanche danger was marked as considerable above 3,500 feet at the time of the accident with gusts up to 54mph being recorded.
Read the entire Alaska Dispatch News Article Here: ‘Freak avalanche’ kills Hatcher Pass snowmachiner
Avalanche Accident Report
We have been informed that a group of snowmachiners were traveling somewhere around Craigie Creek when their friend was buried approximately 6 feet deep in an avalanche. He was wearing a beacon and dug out fairly quickly, but was deceased.
Avalanche Advisory For Hatcher Pass
Find More Hatcher Pass Avalanche Info Here: Hatcher Pass Avalanche Center