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Accident – death – Obituary News : Harrowing Footage Captures Dramatic Moment Rescuers Frantically Attempt to Save Skier Trapped Under Massive Avalanche in Palisades Tahoe, California
In a tragic incident at the renowned Palisades Tahoe ski resort in California, a skier lost their life after being trapped under a massive avalanche. The victim has been identified as 66-year-old Kenneth Kidd, a resident of San Francisco. The avalanche, which occurred on Wednesday, also caused injuries to three other skiers. One person suffered a lower leg injury, while the injuries of the other two skiers remain unspecified. Thankfully, they were treated and released, as confirmed by officials.
This incident marks the first avalanche fatality of the season in the United States, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which monitors such incidents nationwide. The avalanche struck the expert trails section of the Palisades Tahoe ski resort, coinciding with the arrival of a major storm accompanied by heavy snowfall and gusty winds.
The avalanche took place at approximately 9:30 am, prompting Palisades Tahoe to close its operations temporarily. Rescue teams immediately initiated search efforts in the area under the K-22 lift, which had opened just 30 minutes before the incident. This particular lift serves the “black diamond” runs, specifically designed for skilled skiers and snowboarders seeking a thrilling experience.
Palisades Tahoe, previously known as Squaw Valley, holds historical significance as the site for the 1960 Winter Olympics. Situated on the western side of Lake Tahoe, approximately 40 miles away from Reno, Nevada, the resort attracts numerous winter sports enthusiasts. At the time of the avalanche, winds at the top of Palisades resort, located at an elevation of 8,000 feet, were gusting between 31 mph and 38 mph.
Dan Lavely, a 67-year-old season pass holder from Reno, shared his experience skiing at Palisades and highlighted the challenging nature of the KT-22 run. Lavely mentioned that the KT-22 run, which runs alongside the lift, was where the giant slalom event took place during the 1960 Olympics. He described it as a steep slope that expert skiers particularly enjoy. Lavely reminisced about a time when he was young and accidentally fell while skiing in the area, sliding down two-thirds of the mountain due to the steepness.
It’s worth noting that this is not the first avalanche incident at Palisades Tahoe. In 2020, an avalanche at nearby Alpine Meadows resulted in the death of one skier and severe injuries to another. Similarly, in March 1982, another avalanche at the resort claimed the lives of seven people, including several employees.
The recent avalanche at Palisades Tahoe spread over a length of 450 feet and reached a depth of 10 feet, as reported by the Placer County Sheriff’s Office. They confirmed one fatality and one injury caused by the avalanche. Fortunately, no additional missing persons were reported. Three other skiers sustained non-life-threatening injuries and were discharged after receiving initial treatment. Among the injured, one individual suffered a lower leg injury, while the nature of the injuries for the other two skiers remains undisclosed. The resort management acknowledged that two more skiers were caught in the slide but were promptly assisted by fellow guests.
Wednesday’s winter storm brought strong winds, with ridgetop gusts expected to reach 100 mph. Mark Sponsler, a weather forecaster who was present at the resort during the incident, revealed that multiple individuals were buried by the avalanche. The tragic event occurred just moments after the KT-22 slope opened for the first time this winter. Sponsler and his wife had arrived at the Palisades base area in Olympic Valley with plans to ski on that fateful morning. According to Sponsler’s Instagram post, the initial group of skiers who descended the slope triggered a massive avalanche that covered the entire width of the bowl.
Avalanches can be incredibly dangerous and have claimed lives in the past. Earlier this year in February, three individuals lost their lives while attempting to climb the Northeast Couloir of Colchuck Peak near Leavenworth in Washington’s Cascade Mountains. In 2014, six people were killed at Liberty Ridge on Mount Rainier in Washington due to an avalanche.
Responding to the incident at Palisades Tahoe, California Governor Gavin Newsom stated that the state is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to assist with rescue efforts. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) is mobilizing resources and personnel to aid in the rescue operations while maintaining close coordination.
The tragic incident serves as a reminder that even in low-snow conditions, avalanches can pose a significant risk. Skimag.com reported that Palisades Tahoe currently has a 50-inch snow base, with the snowstorm and gusty winds persisting in the region. As the investigation continues and the resort works towards reopening, safety precautions and awareness of avalanche risks remain crucial for skiers and snowboarders alike.
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