Avalanche — Matanuska Valley, Alaska
2016-01-16 · Matanuska Valley, Alaska
1
Direct deaths
Event narrative
A snowboarder triggered an avalanche on Skyscraper mountain in Hatcher Pass Recreation Area. He was buried under 7 1/2 feet of snow and perished.
Wider weather episode
Low pressure in the North Pacific brought strong winds to the southcentral area, causing changes in the snow pack in Hatcher Pass. Although the avalanche danger was moderate, an avalanche broke free and killed one person.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 616171. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.