RENO, Nevada: A devastating avalanche tore through a section of expert trails at a California ski resort near Lake Tahoe on Wednesday, claiming the lives of four people and leaving one person dead. This tragic event occurred as a major storm with heavy snowfall and strong winds moved into the region, creating treacherous conditions for skiers and snowboarders.
The avalanche took place at approximately 9:30 a.m., prompting Palisades Tahoe to close its doors as search and rescue teams combed the area under the K-22 lift. The lift, which had just opened for the season 30 minutes prior, provides access to “black diamond” runs designed for skilled winter sports enthusiasts.
Skier Mark Sponsler arrived at the KT-22 lift amidst howling winds and white-out conditions, only to discover that it had been shut down. Unbeknownst to him, the avalanche had just occurred. Sponsler spoke to an individual who had been in the second group to ride up the lift that morning. According to the witness, there was chaos and panic as the avalanche unfolded below them, with skis, poles, and even a hand protruding from the snow.
The debris field left by the avalanche stretched approximately 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep, according to the sheriff’s office. This tragic incident has deeply affected the Palisades Tahoe community, with Dee Byrne, the president of the resort, expressing her sadness and condolences for the victims and their families.
The person who lost their life in the avalanche has been identified as Kenneth Kidd, a 66-year-old resident of nearby Truckee and Point Reyes. Additionally, one individual sustained a lower leg injury, while two others were treated for unspecified injuries and subsequently released. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office is currently investigating the cause of the avalanche.
Michael Gross, the vice president of mountain operations, stated that ski patrols had been diligently monitoring the avalanche conditions since Sunday. They had been conducting control work, evaluating weather conditions, and implementing safety measures to prepare for the resort’s opening.
The avalanche occurred amidst a powerful storm that was expected to bring up to 2 feet of snow to the highest elevations by early Thursday. Palisades Tahoe, situated on the western side of Lake Tahoe and approximately 40 miles from Reno, Nevada, has a rich history as the site of the 1960 Winter Olympics. At the time of the avalanche, winds at the top of the resort, which sits 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 experiences skiing at Palisades. He recalled the KT-22 run, located alongside the lift, as the venue for the giant slalom event during the 1960 Olympics. Lavely described it as a favorite among skilled skiers due to its steepness, reminiscing about a time in his youth when he fell and slid two-thirds of the way down the mountain, unable to stop due to the slope’s sheer incline.
This tragic incident marks the first avalanche fatality of the season in the United States, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, which monitors such occurrences nationwide. It serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with winter sports and the importance of being vigilant and prepared when venturing into the mountains.
In conclusion, the devastating avalanche at Palisades Tahoe has left the skiing community in shock and mourning. As authorities continue to investigate the cause of this tragedy, it serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and powerful forces of nature that can be unleashed in mountainous regions. Our thoughts and condolences go out to the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.
Source: The Manila Times
