- On a fateful Tuesday afternoon, tragedy struck near Cooper Landing as a backcountry skiing excursion turned fatal. Joseph Allen, a 28-year-old resident of Anchorage, lost his life in an avalanche while climbing a mountain with two companions along the Seward Highway.
- According to Alaska State Troopers, Joseph Allen and his group inadvertently triggered the avalanche. Despite their efforts to dig themselves out, Joseph Allen became buried under the snow. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by his companions and arriving first responders, Joseph Allen could not be revived.
- Joseph Allen‘s body was transported to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Anchorage for further investigation into the cause of death. The two surviving skiers sustained serious injuries and were taken to a hospital on the Kenai Peninsula for treatment.
- Joseph Allen incident occurred in the Summit Lake backcountry ski area, where Wendy Wagner, director of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center, warned of heightened risks due to recent weather conditions. Rapid changes in weather, including strong winds and fluctuating temperatures, increase the likelihood of avalanches, both natural and human-triggered.
- In response to the tragedy, forecasters from the avalanche center conducted assessments in the Summit Lake area to analyze the avalanche type and assess potential risks in other backcountry recreation areas. A comprehensive report on the incident is expected to be released soon.
- This marks the second avalanche-related fatality in Alaska this winter, highlighting the importance of avalanche safety awareness. Recreationalists are urged to consult the avalanche forecast updated daily at 7 a.m. by the center and to exercise caution when venturing into avalanche terrain, especially during stormy weather or high winds.
For those planning backcountry activities such as skiing, snowboarding, or snowmobiling, Alaska State Troopers advise sharing travel plans with a friend, carrying essential avalanche safety equipment, including probes, shovels, beacons, and airbag systems. Additionally, packing extra food, clothing, and ensuring communication devices are operational are essential precautions for a safe backcountry experience.