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Archive Index - All Editions

Skier buried in avalanche at Bridger Bowl

MISSOULA, MT, Dec 18 — A skier was buried in an avalanche at Bridger Bowl on Sunday. In a social media post on Tuesday, the resort reported the incident, which occurred just after noon in the Papa Bear region below Bridger Gully. The skier was buried just below the surface and was able to punch a hole through the snow. A friend and other skiers were able to help remove the skier, who was uninjured.
More ... (NBC Montana)

50 years since deadly avalanches in Neskaupstaður, Iceland

On December 20, 1974, following a series of multiple snow avalanches, an 800-meter-wide avalanche descended on the farthest part of Neskaupstaður around noon. The first avalanche, known as the "Bræðsla avalanche," destroyed large tanks containing cod liver oil and other oils, which then collided with a herring processing factory, damaging the freezing plant, residential buildings, and other structures. The second avalanche, called the "Máni avalanche," occurred about 20 minutes later, destroying the residential house Mánahús, the Steypusala warehouse, and an auto repair shop. In total, 26 people were affected by the avalanches, 12 of whom died. Two bodies were never recovered, as they were swept out to sea.

Following the tragedy, work on avalanche defenses began, and a committee on avalanches was established. The committee prepared hazard maps and recommended implementing continuous monitoring. The construction of protective infrastructure took a long time. Only after the tragic avalanches in Súðavík and Flateyri in 1995, which claimed 34 lives, was a fund for avalanche and landslide protection established.
More (with historic photos) ... (RUV - Icelandic National Broadcasting)

1 Dead, 1 Injured in Avalanche in Pirin Mountains, Bulgaria

An avalanche in Pirin has tragically resulted in the death of one snowboarder and left another injured. The incident took place between the ski area in Bansko and the Vihren hut, shortly before 3 p.m. Three young men were caught in the avalanche. While one managed to avoid being buried, the other two were swept away by the snow. The survivor, who was wearing avalanche safety equipment, was able to dig out his companions. However, despite his efforts, one of the men, aged 25, did not survive. The other snowboarder sustained injuries, but early assessments suggest his condition is not life-threatening.
More ... (Sofia News Agency)

The condition of the victim in the avalanche in Pirin is improving

A snowboarder died and another was injured in an avalanche in Pirin yesterday. The men were skiing off-piste in one of the chutes under Todorka Peak. The victim is in good condition, out of danger to his life. He escaped with only abrasions and bruises, BNT reported. "The chutes are very dangerous - they are long, narrow, have rock thresholds, everyone is responsible for their actions. We have repeatedly said that this is prohibited, there are signs everywhere in the ski area, people are informed. The danger of avalanches remains", said the Mountain Rescue Service - Bansko.

The danger of avalanches in the mountains in our country is high. This was explained by climatologist Simeon Matev in the program "Wake Up" on NOVA. “The danger is high today and will remain at the highest level throughout the weekend. A lot of snow fell at the beginning of the season, but it has not settled well. It has warmed up and this warming is a trigger for avalanches”, said Simeon Matev.
More ... (fakti.bg)

Avalanche claims life of 16-year-old in Türkiye’s Erzurum

An avalanche struck Turkish youth national judo team training on Palandoken mountain in Erzurum, leaving 16-year-old Emre Yazgan seriously injured and other four athletes hurt, Turkish health ministry stated. Yazgan passed away in the intensive care unit despite all medical efforts. The remaining four injured athletes are reported to be in stable condition and continue to receive treatment under close observation.

Provincial Disaster and Emergency Director Selahattin Karsli stated that the avalanche in Palandoken occurred in an area without ski slopes, saying, “Individuals were rescued with the help of the gendarmerie and their own efforts. One of our athletes was pulled out from two meters under the snow. It is likely that he has fractures in his neck and certain other areas of his body.”
More ... (Turkey Today)