Avalanche — Matanuska Valley, Alaska

2003-02-09 · Matanuska Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

Two snow-boarders were caught in an avalanche off Hatch Peak (in Hatcher Pass). One dug out, the other was buried for 2 hours then finally dug out by rescuers who attempted, unsuccessfully, CPR.Heavy wet snow fell in the Pass during the prior week, with more than a foot since Thursday. High winds over the weekend shifted snow loads to lee slopes, including the northeast-facing run near the Pass. Both snow-boarders were at the base of the mountain when the avalanche let go.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5339379. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.