Rescue efforts are ongoing in the Alaskan backcountry as authorities grapple with a devastating avalanche that has buried three heli-skiers under at least 40 feet of snow. The incident occurred on Tuesday afternoon near the small resort town of Girdwood, approximately 40 miles southeast of Anchorage, as part of a guided skiing trip organized by CBS News.

The Alaska State Troopers have reported that the skiers may be buried as deep as 100 feet, an alarming situation given that such depths can complicate recovery efforts significantly. As of now, officials believe that the fatalities are likely; however, hopes of their survival dwindled. According to BBC, a spokesperson for the troopers, Austin McDaniel, indicated, “we do not believe that any of the three missing persons survived the avalanche.”

The tragic event unfolded during a heli-skiing expedition, which transports skiers to remote areas using helicopters, allowing them to ski in locations that lack conventional ski lifts. Despite using avalanche beacons to pinpoint the possible burial site of the skiers, teams have had to suspend recovery operations due to dangerous conditions exacerbated by ongoing snowfall and limited daylight. The chaotic weather has forced a delay in rescue efforts, which could not take place safely as forecasts predict additional storms in the coming days. A trooper’s dispatch confirmed that “no bodies have yet been recovered.” This situation echoes a concerning trend, as between 25 to 30 people die in avalanches in the U.S. each winter, with Alaska being the second highest state for avalanche fatalities after Colorado, according to the Los Angeles Times.

As the investigation continues, reports suggest that authorities will assess the area to determine the next steps in a rescue operation when conditions improve. In 2023, a similar avalanche incident in the Cascade Mountains tragically claimed the lives of three climbers, making this potential incident one of the deadliest in recent memory as well.

With the community deeply affected, the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center issued a statement expressing condolences for the victims’ families while urging caution following the reported avalanche. They noted that witnesses had observed the skiers deploying their avalanche airbags, devices designed to keep victims close to the surface of a snow slide, which adds a grim reminder of the risks associated with backcountry skiing.

If confirmed, these fatalities would mark a somber chapter in Alaska's skiing history, drawing attention to the inherent dangers of avalanche-prone terrains. The resort town of Girdwood, beloved for its winter sports opportunities, will bear the emotional weight of this tragedy as authorities investigate further.