In a big snowstorm, an avalanche hit a trail at the largest ski resort in Lake Tahoe, California. It happened on Wednesday morning and led to one skier passing away and three others getting hurt.
This winter season has sadly recorded the first avalanche fatality in the country, as reported by the national database of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. In the previous winter (2022-2023), 30 individuals lost their lives to avalanches, and in the season before that, 17 fatalities were reported.
At the start of this ski season, the resort opened its famous K-22 chairlift on the first day. Marketed as the “greatest expert lift in North America,” it’s a favorite among skilled skiers and snowboarders.
Tragically, an avalanche occurred, resulting in a loss of life. Authorities are currently conducting investigations to determine the cause of this unfortunate incident. Here is the current information available:
One individual has lost their life, and three others have sustained injuries.
The Palisades Tahoe ski resort reported that a comprehensive search involving over 100 resort staff and members of the public was conducted in response to an incident. Regrettably, a skier named Kenneth Kidd, aged 66 and residing in Point Reyes and the Truckee area, suffered fatal injuries and was declared dead at a local hospital. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office shared this information in a post on X.
Three other skiers sustained injuries that were not life-threatening, and after receiving treatment, they were released, according to the ski resort. One had a lower leg injury, while the other two had unspecified injuries. Palisades Tahoe expressed deep sympathies to the family and friends of those involved and thanked all first responders for their efforts.
The cause of the avalanche remains unclear.
The cause of Wednesday’s avalanche at Palisades Tahoe is still under investigation, according to both the ski resort and authorities. Before the storm hit on Wednesday, the region experienced several days of heavy snowfall, which was expected to continue until Thursday morning.
The ski resort’s patrol team had been conducting avalanche assessments since Sunday, as mentioned by Michael Gross, the vice president of mountain operations at Palisades Tahoe. He explained that for the past few days, the team had been working on control measures, evaluating weather conditions, and setting up safety and hazard markings to prepare for the opening on Wednesday. Gross emphasized that it is standard procedure to open amid heavy snow once the team ensures the conditions are safe.
The debris from Wednesday’s avalanche was reported to be approximately 150 feet wide, 450 feet long, and 10 feet deep, according to the sheriff’s office.
Palisades Tahoe’s history
Palisades Tahoe, situated in Olympic Valley, California, boasts a significant history in the realm of winter sports. Here’s a concise overview:
Foundation (1949): Established in 1949, Palisades Tahoe has grown to become the largest ski resort in the Lake Tahoe region, offering expansive terrain with diverse slopes.
1960 Winter Olympics: A pivotal moment in Palisades Tahoe’s history was its role as the host for the 1960 Winter Olympics. The resort’s world-class facilities garnered attention during this prestigious international event.
Ski Competitions: Post the Winter Olympics, Palisades Tahoe continued to be a favored venue for various ski competitions, regularly hosting international events, including the FIS Ski World Cup.
Year-Round Attraction: Beyond its reputation for winter sports, Palisades Tahoe has evolved into a year-round destination. In the summer, visitors are drawn to the resort for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, taking advantage of its picturesque surroundings.
Avalanche Incidents: The resort has faced challenges related to avalanche risks over the years, including recent incidents that underscore the potential dangers associated with the mountainous terrain.
Lawsuit Resolution (2022): In 2022, Palisades Tahoe reached a settlement in a lawsuit alleging negligence in connection to a 2020 avalanche incident at the Alpine Meadows ski resort, part of Palisades Tahoe. The lawsuit contended that the resort hastily opened the slopes despite unsafe conditions.
Despite these challenges, Palisades Tahoe maintains its status as a prominent and popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts, hosting diverse events and offering a range of activities for visitors throughout the year.