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Avalanche — Matanuska Valley, Alaska

February 9, 2003 · NOAA Storm Events record

Direct deaths
1
Direct injuries
1
Property damage
—
Area
Matanuska Valley

Event narrative (NOAA)

Two snow-boarders were caught in an avalanche off Hatch Peak (in Hatcher Pass). One dug out, the other was buried for 2 hours then finally dug out by rescuers who attempted, unsuccessfully, CPR.Heavy wet snow fell in the Pass during the prior week, with more than a foot since Thursday. High winds over the weekend shifted snow loads to lee slopes, including the northeast-facing run near the Pass. Both snow-boarders were at the base of the mountain when the avalanche let go.

Other notable avalanche events in Alaska

Cook Inlet · March 21, 19996 killedCopper River Basin · January 12, 20022 killedAnchorage Muni To Bird Creek · April 1, 20022 killedMatanuska Valley · February 3, 20012 killedCentral Gulf Coast · January 26, 20001 killedCook Inlet · February 1, 20001 killed

Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.

Avalanche — Matanuska Valley, Alaska, February 9, 2003 | DisasterAtlasUSA