An avalanche hit a pro-skier slope in Washington state! The avalanche, which occurred on February 19th, has killed a total of three skiers. Powder Magazine senior editor John Stifter, who witnessed the slide that killed three of his skiing companions Sunday, said that one person survived by bear-hugging a tree and holding on as the snow barreled over him. Another skier who was caught in the slide was saved when she deployed an air bag designed to keep her on top of the snow and shield her from it. Victims of the avalanche were identified as Jim Jack, a well-known head judge for the Freeskiing World Tour; Stevens Pass, marketing director Chris Rudolph; and Johnny Brenan, a Leavenworth contractor.
The Avalanche warnings were high that day but the group of skiers said that they were ill informed of the danger.
