Avalanche — Sern P.w. Snd, Alaska

2001-12-12 · Sern P.w. Snd, Alaska

Event narrative

Fresh snowfall and apparent wind loading occurred during the days before the event. Five people were out on snowmachines in the Cordova area. One snowmachine became stuck, two individuals attempted to dig it out. An avalanche quickly ensued. Two were buried. One person was dug out and survived. The body of the other, Donovan J. Lee, 37, was recovered from under 3 feet of snow Thursday morning. The avalanche occurred between Heney and Hartney Creeks.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5273342. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.