SNOQUALMIE, Wash. — A skier narrowly avoided being buried in deep snow Friday at The Summit at Snoqualmie after another skier quickly intervened and pulled them to safety.
The incident was captured on video and shared by skier Ian Deans, who noticed the person struggling in heavy powder and rushed to help. KING 5 spoke with Deans who said he stopped after seeing the skier’s legs flailing in the snow and immediately began digging.
Deans said his avalanche training prompted him to act quickly out of concern the skier could suffocate. He was able to reach the person and free them before the situation became life-threatening.
The close call highlights the danger of deep snow immersion, a hazard that can occur when a skier or snowboarder falls into deep powder and becomes trapped head-down or buried. Unlike avalanches, the condition can happen in otherwise stable snow conditions and may prevent a person from breathing if they cannot free themselves.
Deans said the experience is a reminder for people skiing or riding in deep conditions to travel with partners and keep visual contact with each other on the mountain.
Remember folks, when a person falls into deep unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized, they run the risk of suffocation if they aren’t assisted. It’s vital that you always ski or snowboard with a partner to reduce the risk of Snow Immersion Suffactions.
It is extremely important to keep Snow Immersion Suffocation (SIS) safety at the forefront of your mind. Always remember:
• Ride with a partner
• Avoid the base of trees when skiing & riding in deep snow
• If you are going to fall, attempt to do so feet first
• The more snow, the higher the risk
