On April 26, 2022, at approximately 4:00 pm, the Alaska Wildlife Troopers were notified of an emergency SOS activation from a satellite communication device. Preliminary information determined that a group of three adults were recreating near the Worthington Glacier in Thompson Pass, the group unintentionally triggered an avalanche that injured two of the adults. The Alaska Wildlife Troopers coordinated a private helicopter operation from Valdez to respond to the area with Valdez Fire Department EMS personnel. The private helicopter rescued all three individuals and transported them to Valdez where the two injured adults received medical care.
Avalanche danger is elevated in the backcountry as Springtime temperatures cover much of Alaska. The Alaska State Trooper and Alaska Wildlife Troopers encourage anyone that is heliskiing, backcountry skiing, or snowmachining to use extreme caution. There have been a series of dangerous avalanches in the last week in Southcentral Alaska and the Copper River Basin. If you must be in the backcountry ensure that you have avalanche mitigation equipment such as a probe, avalanche beacon, avalanche airbag system, and shovel. Always carry a communication device that will work wherever you are going, and bring along clothing appropriate for the conditions. Always check weather and avalanche forecasting before you depart, and tell a trusted friend or family member where you are going and when you will be back.