Avalanche Incidents in Alaska

Unfortunately, as backcountry recreational user numbers continue to increase, the number of accidents also are increasing.  This list of accident reports is meant to be used as an educational tool that we can learn from, and hopefully not place ourselves in similar positions. A running list of avalanche accidents in the U.S, can be seen on the American Avalanche Associations website.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has compiled avalanche accident statistics since 1950.  Please see their site for a listing of charts and graphs organized by state, activity, user group, age, and burial depths of all documented accidents in the United States.

If you have a close-call or accident, please report it to us using the form below so others may learn from your situation.  If you wish to keep the details unpublished, we respect that, but would still like to hear from you.  Accident or "near miss" Report Form

2010-2011 season: 5 FATALITIES IN ALASKA

• 110525 Mt.Frances, Alaska Range 2 climber fatalities

• 110428 Ruth Gorge ice fall fatality

• 110418 Bird Creek fatality

• 110409 Thompson Pass skier triggered

• 110319 Hatcher Pass fatality

• 110129 Summit Lake near miss

• 110124 Thompson Pass near miss

2009-2010 season: 5 FATALITIES IN ALASKA

• 100529 Ruth Gorge 2 climber fatalities

• 100416 Thompson Pass near miss

• 100329 involvement (before competition)

• 100313 Revelstoke snowmachine competition

• 100310 Thompson Pass near miss

• 100213 Anchorage area, 3 fatalities: two snow-machining, one skiing

• 100201 Alaska Range near miss near Mile 192 Richardson Highway: friends dug out and resuscitated 1 person

2008-2009 season: 2 FATALITIES IN ALASKA

• 090418 Nick's 30 Mile snowmachiner fatality

• 090325 Johnson Pass snowmachiner fatality

• 081201 Nick's 30 Mile, remote triggered size 3 near miss
  

2007-2008 season: 4 FATALITIES IN ALASKA

• 080215 Turnagain Pass, 2 snowmachining fatalities