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Crystal Mountain avalanche fatality – first of the 2021/22 season

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Crystal Mountain avalanche fatality reported

According to the US Forest Service, a skier was killed in an avalanche Saturday, December 11, in Silver Basin, a closed area of Crystal Mountain, Washington, that ski patrol had not mitigated for avalanche hazard. Six skiers from the same party were caught in the slide. The Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the deceased as Robert “Bob” Weisel, 66, of Issaquah, Washington. This is the U.S.’s first avalanche fatality of the 2021/22 season.

After a long dry spell that has plagued much of the continental United States this winter, Crystal Mountain reported receiving 12 inches of snow in 24 hours with winds up to 100 mph at the summit Saturday. The Friday evening advisory rated the avalanche hazard as considerable near and above tree line. “Look for storm slabs to develop on Saturday at all elevation bands as the West South is targeted by a potent winter storm,” it warned. It reported of the newly forming storm slab, which was resting atop another recent storm layer and a crust from late November. They advised those entering the backcountry to “choose conservative terrain and realize that early season conditions still exist.”

Silver Basin, where the fatality occurred, is a north- through east-facing slope at approximately 6,500 feet that is marked as a black diamond when open. According to a preliminary report, the six individuals were traveling uphill when they triggered a large avalanche. Another party of two in the area that witnessed the avalanche reported it to Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol at 10:50 a.m. and assisted in the rescue. Four skiers were partially or fully buried, three of whom were successfully recovered. The fourth skier was found unconscious and did not respond to resuscitation efforts. All skiers involved were carrying avalanche equipment and several had taken a recent avalanche course.

A statement from Crystal Mountain following the fatality read, “As snow continues to fall, Crystal Mountain Ski Patrol reminds backcountry skiers to research uphill travel policies and check the avalanche forecasts before heading into the backcountry.”

‘Are you beeping?’ Avalanche program aims to save lives in the Cascades

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February 26, 2021 – SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — A volunteer ski patroller started an “Are You Beeping?” project to help save lives in the Cascade mountains.

A snowy year in the Cascades

It has been an especially snowy February in the mountains of western Washington. There have been feet of snow falling in a matter of days. Significant storm systems have forced closures at the passes. And raised the avalanche danger for the backcountry.

On Friday Snoqualmie Pass got another foot of snow overnight. This brought the season total to 396 inches, or 33 feet. The evidence of that is clear. There are mounds of snow reaching the top of light poles, and walls of ice taller than semi-trailers.

Stevens Pass closed for a period Friday after avalanche debris covered US 2.

So it’s no doubt that avalanches are on Scott Waller’s mind. He’s a volunteer ski patroller with King County Search and Rescue. He started a project to improve avalanche safety a decade ago. 

The “Are you beeping?” Project

Waller’s project “Are You Beeping?” installs avalanche beacon test sites and signage at resort gates and forest trailheads before users enter risky terrain. It’s a chance for explorers to turn on their avalanche beacons. The signs also include information about avoiding risky terrain and unstable snow conditions.

Waller sees it as a friendly reminder to be prepared. 

“It’s amazing how people will intend to put on their avalanche transceiver. But then they forget it in their car,” he said.

Some ski resorts have purchased the signs at cost, and some are funded by non-profit donations.

On Friday he installed a new one on the Pacific Crest Trail near the Alpental exit off I-90. Which is a popular snowshoeing and touring destination. It was funded by Ski Patrol Rescue Team (SPART). Which is a volunteer group that works with King County Search and Rescue. Two more check stations will be installed at Alpental’s backcountry gates this weekend.

Saving Lives

It’s tough to know if the signs have saved lives, Waller said, but that’s the goal.

“That’s the hope,” he said. “It’s hard to measure, or quantify it. But know I’ve sat at trailheads putting these up all over. And it’s amazing how someone will show up, they’re a backcountry skier, and they forgot to turn it on. Yeah, it happens. Just reminding them.”

Are you beeping?

North Cascades Highway closes for the season due to avalanche risks

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The heavy snows of the past few storms mean the time has come for the annual North Cascades Highway closure in Washington state. WSDOT announced the closure Monday as snow has filled the avalanche chutes that line the highway, which pose a safety risk for drivers and road crews.

The seasonal avalanche closure currently begins at the Ross Dam Trailhead on the west side and Silver Star Gate 37 miles away on the east side. As the snow accumulates this fall and winter, the closure will extend a few more miles in each direction.

The earliest closure was on Oct. 17 in 2003, and the latest “closure” was in 1976 when so little snow fell the pass didn’t need to close that winter. That is the only time that’s occurred since 1972. In the winter of 1989, it didn’t close until Jan. 3, 1990.

Hikers, skiers, snowmobilers and other recreationalists can access the closed portion of highway during the winter season. Users should park in designated parking areas to allow plow drivers the space they need to clear snow around the closed stretch’s access gates.

Sign greets travelers to the North Cascades Highway (WSDOT image)