Avalanche
Two people were rescued by emergency crews Saturday afternoon after being caught in a spring avalanche in the Byron Glacier Valley near Portage Lake, Alaska, reports the Anchorage Daily News (ADN).
The Girdwood Fire Department and Alaska State Troopers responded to a call just before 1 p.m., launching a coordinated rescue in the Chugach National Forest. According to troopers spokesman Tim DeSpain, a helicopter transported the two individuals from the avalanche site to waiting EMTs at the Portage parking lot. Neither person suffered life-threatening injuries, and no fatalities were reported.
Graham Predeger, safety manager for Chugach National Forest, confirmed to ADN the pair had been involved in an avalanche while traveling through the Byron Glacier Valley.
Avalanche hazards persist well into late spring and early summer, a period when many outdoor enthusiasts may not expect such dangers. “It’s not all that uncommon to have these springtime avalanches, and in Southcentral Alaska, it’s sort of part of the natural shed cycle,” Predeger added. Rising temperatures and lingering snowpack can trigger large and destructive slides, especially in valleys like Byron, where steep slopes and historic avalanche paths line the popular trail.
The Byron Glacier Trail, a well-traveled route surrounded by dramatic terrain, is popular among hikers and sightseers. Signs along the trail warn of avalanche danger, but the risks can be overlooked during warmer months. Predeger urged outdoor recreators to pay close attention to current conditions and to avoid avalanche runout zones, where snow and debris can unexpectedly cross summer trails and spread into flatter terrain.
Avalanche safety experts recommend checking forecasts and resources provided by the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center before venturing into backcountry areas. “Pay particular attention” to snow conditions and trail advisories, Predeger told ADN, as even small avalanches can have serious consequences in steep terrain.
