[VIDEO] Intense Rescue as Skiers Spot Tips and Save Buried Rider's Life at Palisades Tahoe, CA - SnowBrains

"Two skiers at Palisades Tahoe, California, spotted the tips of skis protruding from deep snow on February 18 between KT-22 and Olympic Lady. They stopped and dug out a skier found upside down and buried in the deep powder, saving his life. The intense video of the rescue was shared on Threads to stress the need for skiing with a buddy."

"Palisades Tahoe reported 44″ of fresh snow that morning, on top of the 29″ that fell the previous day. The resort had closed at noon on February 17 as increasing winds, deteriorating visibility, and continued heavy snowfall created complex conditions for both lift operations and snow safety. In total, the storm dropped over 10 feet of fresh snow in just four days."

"Tree well and deep snow suffocation is a serious problem in the Western USA and Canada. Incidents occur with deep snow accumulations and tree well immersions, where a skier or snowboarder falls into an area of deep, unconsolidated snow and becomes immobilized. Since 2001, California has had more snow immersion deaths than any other state."

A dramatic rescue occurred at Palisades Tahoe on February 18 when two skiers discovered and excavated a skier buried upside down in deep powder between KT-22 and Olympic Lady. The resort had received 44 inches of fresh snow that morning, following 29 inches the previous day, prompting closure due to dangerous conditions. Over four days, the storm deposited more than 10 feet of snow, bringing the snowpack from 60% to 104% of normal. While powder days attract skiers, extreme snowfall creates serious hazards including avalanche risk and snow immersion suffocation. The incident underscores the life-saving importance of never skiing alone in challenging conditions.

Read at SnowBrains