Tragedy struck at the Palisades Tahoe resort near Lake Tahoe in California as one person was killed and another injured in an avalanche. The avalanche, marking the first U.S. avalanche fatality of the 2023-2024 winter season, occurred at the renowned ski resort. Authorities from the Placer County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the incident, but no missing persons have been reported. Search operations have concluded, providing a grim outcome.
Guests visiting from outside the area were the unfortunate victims of the natural disaster. Michael Gross, the vice president of mountain operations at Palisades Tahoe, conveyed that one man lost his life as he was buried in the avalanche. The identity of the deceased remains undisclosed, and no further details have been released at this time. The second guest suffered non-life-threatening injuries, according to Sgt. David Smith, a spokesperson for the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The debris field left by the avalanche is approximately 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep, according to the sheriff’s office. The devastating incident was reported around 9:30 a.m. local time on Wednesday near the KT-22 lift, which had just opened its doors at 9 a.m. Unfortunately, both sides of the mountain have been shut down in response.
Palisades Tahoe Resort CEO and president Dee Byrne expressed deep sadness during a press briefing, emphasizing that the incident remains under investigation. She highlighted the dynamic nature of the situation, calling for a comprehensive understanding of the incident. The resort is determined to learn from this tragedy.
The avalanche struck amidst a powerful storm that has enveloped much of the Sierra Nevada mountains in snow throughout the week. More snowfall is expected in the Tahoe area, with at least a foot anticipated from Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. The circumstances leading up to the avalanche’s occurrence are still being examined.
This devastating incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable and potentially dangerous conditions that can arise in mountainous regions during winter. The Palisades Tahoe resort and local authorities continue to put safety first as they navigate the aftermath of this tragic event.