PRESS RELEASE
At around 1:00 a.m. on Mon., Jan. 23, 2017 North Tahoe Fire Protection District responded to a call for a vehicle accident and avalanche on SR 89 between Tahoe City, CA and Alpine Meadows, CA. In addition to NTFPD, Squaw Valley Fire assisted. Meeks Bay Fire Protection District and Truckee Fire Protection District also offered additional coverage over the District while NTFPD resources were committed to the incident.
Once on scene, firefighter/paramedics from NTFPD found what looked to be an avalanche with a width of approximately 200 yards and a height of twelve feet. Resources hiked the area to size-up the avalanche and began probing (an avalanche rescue term used when probes are extended into the snow to find the exact location of victims) NTFPD resources then discovered the car that was completely immersed in snow, and the two people trapped inside. The other vehicle on scene was partially buried, with no one trapped inside when crews arrived on scene.
It took crews approximately 30 minutes from the time they were on scene, to rescue the two individuals inside the fully immersed vehicle.
The avalanche was a result of a natural trigger. No injuries have been reported. Cal Trans continued avalanche clean up and SR 89 was closed for several hours after the incident.
It is important to be aware of avalanche dangers when traveling in hazardous areas. Make sure to always keep ample food, water, and blankets in your car in the event you are unable to escape your vehicle. It is also important to stay as calm as possible and shut your vehicle off. Do not leave your vehicle running, carbon monoxide poisoning is deadly.
