Three skiers were caught and buried in an avalanche around 3:30 p.m. in the west fork of the Twentymile drainage outside of Girdwood. Guides from the commercial heliskiing operation that the group was with immediately attempted to locate the three skiers. Using avalanche beacons, the guides identified a probable area where skiers were buried between 40 feet and nearly 100 feet deep. The guides were unable to recover the three skiers due to the burial depth.
We extend our deepest condolences to the friends and family of everyone involved. More information may be found through this brief report on the Alaska State Trooper Daily Dispatch, and in this news article from Anchorage Daily News.