Skier killed in avalanche at Nevada mountain
WASHOE, Nevada -- A skier was lost in an avalanche this weekend. It happened in western Nevada at the Mount Rose Ski Resort near Lake Tahoe.
The search for the missing skier ended Sunday after crews found a body in 8-to-10 feet of snow.
The 64-year-old man was last seen on the the “jack pot chute,” an expert slope that wasn’t ready for skiers yet.
On Saturday, as a storm moved in, officials said avalanche danger was high.
Bob Harmon with the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said two skiers went around a gate and hiked to the top.
“This was a closed area and the skiers obviously made a decision that they wanted to make a run there and obviously this did not work out for the best,” said Harmon.
Experts with the Sierra Avalanche Center said the missing skier may have triggered the avalanche.
The skier who escaped called for help, but after more than two feet of snow fell, Saturday’s search was cut short.
The skiers did not have safety gear on them, like a beeping beacon.
Search dogs picked up a scent and led crews to the body.
The medical examiner will now take over the investigation, working to confirm the identity and notifying family.
