Mount Rose Summit, Nevada – A backcountry skier was safely rescued after being completely buried in an avalanche near Mount Rose Summit on December 26, authorities confirmed. Despite spending more than an hour trapped under the snow, the skier was ultimately returned home uninjured following a coordinated multi-agency rescue effort.
Avalanche Triggers Emergency Response
According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue teams were dispatched after receiving a 911 call reporting a male skier partially buried by an avalanche near Mount Rose Summit.
Responding agencies included the Truckee Meadows Fire Protection District and the Regional Emergency Medical Services Authority.
Officials later determined that the initial report underestimated the severity of the situation.
Skier Was Fully Buried for Over an Hour
Rescue crews learned that the skier had actually been completely buried by the avalanche. He spent more than an hour digging himself out before managing to reach his phone and call for help. Once partially freed, he was able to describe his location to emergency dispatchers.
Authorities said worsening weather conditions increased the urgency of the rescue and required rapid deployment of specialized teams.
SAR Teams Use Technology and Avalanche Expertise
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue unit quickly established a staging area west of Mount Rose Ski Tahoe. Using multiple search technologies and guidance from the Sierra Avalanche Center, ski and snowshoe rescue teams were sent into the backcountry.
When the first SAR team reached the location, they made verbal contact with the skier and carefully navigated on foot to reach him.
Skier Found Cold but Uninjured
Rescue personnel assessed the skier’s condition and reported that he was cold, wet, and exhausted after several hours in the avalanche runout zone, but he had no serious injuries and was able to walk on his own.
SAR members provided snowshoes and guided him safely out of the area. He was later transferred to REMSA for further medical evaluation.
Authorities Stress Backcountry Safety
After the rescue, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office expressed gratitude for the positive outcome and emphasized the dangers associated with backcountry skiing.
Officials encouraged outdoor enthusiasts to check avalanche forecasts, carry proper safety equipment, and consult reliable resources like the Sierra Avalanche Center before heading into avalanche-prone terrain.
