PLACER COUNTY (KRON) — One person died and another was seriously injured in an avalanche Friday morning at Alpine Meadows near Lake Tahoe.
The avalanche was reported at 10:16 a.m. in the area between Scott Chute and Promised Land near Scott Chair at Alpine Meadows, within an open area of the resort.
A man who was skiing was pronounced dead at the scene at around 11 a.m., according to the resort.
Authorities have identified the victim as 34-year-old Cole Comstock from Blairsden, California.
In a statement, his wife Caitlin told KRON’s affiliate FOX40 that Cole was kindhearted and caring.
Cole was the most kind hearted and caring person to his friends and even strangers. He always went out of his way to make everyone feel loved and cared for and welcome and was always the first person to introduce himself to new people because he just wanted to be everyone’s friend. He was extremely hardworking and put everyone else’s needs first and never complained once about it. He loved skiing and loved living life. He deeply loved his friends, his family, and above all his wife. He supported everyone with all of his heart and was a true example of unconditional love. If there is one thing about Coles life to take away, remember to always be kind to one another and celebrate each others victories, not because you need something, but because it is the right thing to do.
A second skier sustained severe lower-body injuries and was transported to a hospital by ambulance.
At 12:50 p.m., Placer County Sheriff’s officials said they called off the search and there are no additional victims.
The avalanche happened near the Subway ski run, according to sheriff’s officials.
The ski resort is still open but the Subway ski run is closed.
According to the resort, avalanche mitigation work had been performed in the area before opening for the day.
A storm passing through the area Thursday dumped up to 25 inches of snow at the top of the resort.
The Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows resort provided the following statement to KRON4:
The entire Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows team, including all of the first responders, extend their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased. We are working closely with the families of all the affected individuals to ensure their continued care.
In 1982, an avalanche at Alpine Meadows killed seven people, including several employees of the ski resort.
On its website, Alpine Meadows Ski Resort touts itself as a “picturesque playground for families and off-the-radar thrill-seekers.”
The property has more than 100 trails across 2400 acres, groomed runs and chalet-style lodges. The resort is in Tahoe City and about 7 miles from Lake Tahoe.
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