Tragic Avalanche in Idaho Claims Life of Skier, Rescues Successful for Two Others

Shoshone County, Idaho – Authorities recovered the body of an individual who died in an avalanche near Steven’s Peak, officials announced on Friday. The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office had initiated a rescue operation after receiving a Garmin GPS alert of a possible fatality on Thursday afternoon. The effort resulted in the safe rescue of two individuals, but sadly, the third person was presumed dead. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed the fatality and identified the deceased as Corey J. Zalewski.

The rescue operation involved multiple agencies, including the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Kootenai County Search and Rescue, Silver Valley Search and Rescue, Silver Mountain Ski Patrol, and Shoshone County Groomers. The search efforts were conducted in an area southwest of the Lookout Peak ski area.

The United States Air Force, Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, Silver Valley Search and Rescue, and Silver Mountain Ski Patrol provided assistance in locating and rescuing the two survivors. Through debriefing the rescued individuals, authorities gathered enough information to presume the death of the third victim. Due to this information, they decided to conclude the search efforts for the evening.

The area had been under an avalanche warning due to heavy winds and snowfall in the days leading up to the incident. This marks the first reported avalanche death of the season in the United States. A separate avalanche in California killed one person at the Palisades Tahoe ski resort near Lake Tahoe.

The tragedy in Idaho serves as a somber reminder of the dangers associated with winter weather conditions and outdoor activities in mountainous areas. Authorities extend their condolences to the family of Corey J. Zalewski and urge caution in avalanche-prone regions.