An inbounds avalanche today at Alpine Meadows, CA took the life of 34-year-old Cole Comstock from Blairsden, CA according to a press release from the resort.

Official press release from the resort:

(Alpine Meadows, Calif.) Jan. 17, 2020: At approximately 10:16 am today an avalanche was reported in the area between Scott Chute and Promised Land near Scott Chair at Alpine Meadows, within an open area of the resort. 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. Alpine Meadows Ski Patrol responded immediately to the scene and completed a thorough search of the area with the help of additional resort personnel and members of the public using avalanche transceivers, probes, RECCO Rescue System technology, and avalanche rescue dog teams. Witnesses to the incident saw no other individuals involved, no additional individuals have been reported missing and the search was declared complete at 11:45am.

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. We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care.

The cause of the avalanche is unknown at this time pending additional investigation with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

Avalanche mitigation work had been performed in the area prior to opening to skiers and riders for the day.

A fact sheet by the National Ski Areas Association that includes historic avalanche statistics can be found here.

This statement will be updated if additional information becomes available.

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