Major avalanche at California ski resort leaves 1 dead, 1 injured
Palisades Tahoe, a popular California ski resort in Olympic Valley, California, was forced to close Wednesday following a major avalanche that occurred around 9:30 a.m. local time.
The avalanche happened at the KT-22 lift, a site with “black diamond” runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
As of mid-day Wednesday, avalanche caused one fatality and one injury, but officials continue to comb the area for trapped or injured people.
“Our patrol and mountain operations teams are performing a search at this time,” the resort said in a statement on the social media site X, formerly Twitter.
At approximately 9:30am today at Palisades Tahoe, an avalanche occurred on the Palisades side, specifically above the GS gully area of KT-22. Our Patrol and mountain operations teams are performing a search at this time. Both sides of our mountain will be closed for the day. pic.twitter.com/SpvwoUAsn9
At approximately 9:30am today at Palisades Tahoe, an avalanche occurred on the Palisades side, specifically above the GS gully area of KT-22. Our Patrol and mountain operations teams are performing a search at this time. Both sides of our mountain will be closed for the day. Palisades Tahoe on Twitter: "At approximately 9:30am today at Palisades Tahoe, an avalanche occurred on the Palisades side, specifically above the GS gully area of KT-22. Our Patrol and mountain operations teams are performing a search at this time. Both sides of our mountain will be closed for the day. pic.twitter.com/SpvwoUAsn9 / Twitter"
"Both sides of our mountain will be closed for the day."
The avalanche occurred during a powerful winter storm that brought gale-force winds and heavy snowfall. Sierra Avalance Center had rated the day's avalanche risk factor as "considerable."
Palisades has seen more than 50 cm of snow over the past week, with additional, significant accumulation expected through Thursday.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Header image: File photo for illustration purposes only, via Canva Pro.
