16-Year-Old Dies After Triggering Avalanche in Alaska

A 16-year-old boy, Tucker Challans from Soldotna, Alaska, died after triggering an avalanche in Turnagain Pass on March 22. Witnesses reported that Challans was riding a snow machine on the backside of Seattle Ridge when he triggered the avalanche, which was described as occurring in an unstable area. Rescuers from the Alaska Mountain Rescue Group recovered his body about 10 feet deep in snow the following day, but he was already deceased. The avalanche crown was estimated to be 2 to 3 feet deep and 500 feet wide, with Challans buried under the snow for about an hour before being found. Avalanche experts noted that such incidents are often triggered by the victim or their party, highlighting the dangers of riding in steep, unstable snow conditions. This incident follows a previous avalanche tragedy in the Girdwood area where three heliskiers were presumed dead after being buried under significant snow.