PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — One skier died Saturday morning, and five others were rescued in an avalanche reported at Crystal Mountain in Washington, KIRO-TV reported.
Pierce County sheriff’s deputies said they learned of the avalanche in Silver Basin, a backcountry area at Crystal Mountain, around 10:50 a.m. A witness told authorities they saw six people get buried in the incident, KIRO reported. All six were wearing emergency alert avalanche beacons and were quickly found, according to the news station.
Deputies said they were able to pull all six skiers from the snow, including one who was not breathing. Rescuers attempted to resuscitate the person through CPR but were unsuccessful, officials said. The skier died at the scene, KIRO reported.
Officials with Crystal Mountain said Saturday that they were maintaining normal operations as the avalanche happened in the background. Officials with the ski resort, which bills itself as the largest in Washington, said in a Twitter post that winds reached 100 mph at the summit Saturday morning.
Winter has arrived in full force! Snow is stacking up and winds are coming in strong. Mt. Rainier Gondola will not be operating today as winds are reaching 100mph at the summit - yes, that's hurricane status! Please drive carefully if you are coming to the mountains this weekend.
— Crystal Mountain (@CrystalMt) December 11, 2021
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