2015/04/01 - Alaska - North of Tebay Lakes, Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve

Published 2015/11/08 by Spencer Logan - Forecaster, CAIC

On April 1, a group of seven backcountry tourers flew from Ultima Thule Lodge into the the western portion of Wrangell-St Elias National Park and Preserve. The original group of seven then split up into Group 1 and Group 2. Group 1 was dropped off by plane high in an unnamed valley. The plane then took off and flew further down valley. The plan was for Group 1 to ascend a near-by peak and ski tour down the valley, where they would meet Group 2 touring nearer a lower pick-up point. There were five skiers (Skiers 1 through 5) in Group 1, including Skier 1, an experienced mountain guide on a day off, and Skier 2, a physician. Group 2 included Pilot 1.

From their drop off, Group 1 ascended to the ridgeline. On the ascent they assessed the snowpack, which “showed reactivity at 26 taps” and “reassured the group of adequate snow stability.” They also noted the large cornice hanging over the far side of the ridge, and felt they could safely avoid it. The group stopped for lunch on the ridge, just below the summit.

At about 2:30 pm, Skier 1 was walking along the ridge towards the summit. Group 1 did not think he was walking on the cornice itself. Skier 1 was 10 to 30 feet in front of the others when they felt a “whoomp” as the cornice collapsed and Skier 1 disappeared downslope.

Skier 1 had fallen down an extremely steep slope with several large cliff bands. The rest of Group 1 was unable to descend it. They attempted to contact Group 2 by radio and began touring down-valley to the pick up point. Group 1’s only satellite phone was in Skier 1’s pack.

During their descent, Group 1 repeatedly radioed Group 2, but were unable to make contact. Skier 3 attempted to make numerous calls on his cellular phone, and eventually contacted his wife in New York. His wife relayed a message to Ultima Thule Lodge. A second pilot (Pilot 2) and airplane (Group 3) then departed from Ultima Thule Outfitters for the area.

As they got closer to the plane, Group 1 eventually made radio contact with Group 2. Group 2 radioed out and requested a search and rescue response. Groups 1 and 2 met at the airplane.

Pilot 1 and Skier 2 flew to the accident site and looked for Skier 1 from the air. They were unable to see him in the avalanche debris, and made their way back towards  the pick-up point and the rest of the party. Enroute they met with Group 3 in the air. Group 3 went to the accident site and found a place to land, followed by the first plane carrying  Pilot 1 and Skier 2.

Group 3, Pilot 1, and Skier 2 began a search for Skier 1 using avalanche beacons and probes. They located him buried under one to two feet of avalanche debris. He had sustained massive trauma in the avalanche and subsequent fall. Skier 2, a physician, confirmed Skier 1’s death  at about 4:30 PM. The National Park Service conducted investigation and recovery operations the following day, 04/02/2015.

This report was compiled from information provided to the CAIC by rangers at Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park and Preserve and by Pilot 2.