Skier Dies In Avalanche Burial In Closed Section of Crystal Mountain Ski Resort, Washington

The Northwest Avalanche Center (NWAC) is investigating a deadly avalanche that happened on Crystal Mountain Saturday.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said the group of six was headed up the Silver Basin area of Crystal Mountain (uncontrolled and not mitigated for avalanche hazard since this area had not yet opened for the season) when the avalanche hit. Four of the six skiers were buried, and three dug themselves out. The fourth, a 66-year-old man, was found but wasn’t breathing.

All of the skiers were wearing avalanche beacons and were quickly located. All of the skiers were pulled from the snow, but one was not breathing. Rescuers attempted CPR, but the skier died on scene. Find full statement from Crystal below:

STATEMENT FROM CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN:

Crystal Mountain, WA – At approximately 10:50am on December 11, 2021, an avalanche was reported in a closed area of the resort known as Silver Basin. This area was uncontrolled and not mitigated for avalanche hazard since this area had not yet opened for the season. Six backcountry skiers, wearing avalanche transceivers, were travelling uphill and triggered the avalanche which caught all six individuals. Two additional unrelated backcountry skiers were also in the area and witnessed the avalanche and then reported the incident to Ski Patrol. Ski Patrol arrived and immediately began assisting in recovery efforts. Five members of the party were successfully recovered while one member was found unconscious. Resuscitation efforts began at approximately 11:05am, and at 11:15am, after no response, they suspended CPR efforts and waited for Ski Patrol to arrive to recover the victim and escort the group down the mountain. The skier was a male in his 60’s.

Crystal Mountain has received twelve inches of snow in the last 24 hours, with winds reaching 100mph at the summit. As snow continues to fall, Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol reminds backcountry skiers to research uphill travel policies and check the avalanche forecasts before heading into the backcountry.

The Northwest Avalanche Center will conduct a full investigation which can be found on the NWAC website.

As skiers and riders ourselves, this event saddens all of us here at Crystal Mountain. We extend our 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. images from piercecounty sheriff FB & CrystalMountainWashington FB