California Ski Resort Reopens After Deadly Avalanche Claims Life of Skier
A thrilling day on the slopes turned tragic on Wednesday when an avalanche struck Palisades Tahoe, a ski resort near Lake Tahoe in California. The avalanche, triggered by a major storm that blanketed the area with snow, swept up four people and tragically resulted in the death of a 66-year-old skier. This incident marks the first avalanche fatality of the winter season in the United States.
Reopening Delayed
In the wake of the avalanche, Palisades Tahoe made the decision to temporarily close its iconic KT-22 lift, which services the area where the snowslide occurred. The resort’s priority was to clear a road that would allow snowcats and snowmobiles to access the mostly expert runs in that section. However, other lifts were expected to open later in the day, albeit with cautious measures in place for snow safety.
Assessing the Terrain
At the neighboring Alpine Meadows resort, lift openings were also delayed to allow staff to assess the safety of all terrain. Both resorts were taking precautions and ensuring that conditions were secure before allowing skiers back on the slopes.
The Tragic Loss
The skier who lost their life in the avalanche has been identified as Kenneth Kidd, a 66-year-old resident of nearby Truckee and Point Reyes. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that one person suffered a lower leg injury while two others were treated for unspecified injuries and released.
Avalanche Conditions Remain Dangerous
The Sierra Avalanche Center issued a forecast for the central Sierra backcountry, warning of dangerous avalanche conditions that were expected to continue on Thursday. The recent storm, combined with high winds, had created weak layers in the snowpack, making the region susceptible to avalanches.
Weather Conditions and Safety Measures
The storm that triggered the avalanche brought heavy snowfall and gusty winds to the area. The resort reported receiving 1-3 inches of snow on Tuesday, followed by an additional 14 inches on Wednesday. Palisades Tahoe had plans to open the KT-22 lift on Wednesday, but it had only been in operation for 30 minutes before the avalanche struck. The resort’s website had acknowledged the extensive work that goes into preparing the lifts for operation, including evaluating weather data, snow density, wind speed, and direction.
Michael Gross, vice president of mountain operations at Palisades Tahoe, emphasized the expertise of the team responsible for assessing the safety of the slopes. He explained that they rely on decades of weather data and use various models to make informed decisions. Their priority is always the safety of skiers and snowboarders.
Avalanche History in the Area
The recent tragedy is a painful reminder of past avalanches in the region. In 2020, another avalanche at Alpine Meadows claimed the life of one skier and severely injured another. And in March 1982, an avalanche at the same resort resulted in the deaths of seven people, including several employees.
The recent avalanche tragedy serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with skiing and snowboarding in mountainous regions. It also underscores the importance of safety measures, expert assessment, and ongoing monitoring to mitigate those risks.
