Around 2:30PM, April 12, 2013, a King County Sheriffs Spokesperson reported via Twitter that crews were responding to two separate avalanches in the Snoqualmie Pass area.
The first avalanche was on Granite Mountain near exit 47 off I-90 (Denny Creek) which slightly injured two climbers and left one missing, according to Seattle Mountain Rescue (SMR).
The avalanche carried the climbers 1400 feet down the mountain. SMR reported the debris field was approximately 30 feet wide, over 1/3 mile long and up to 20 feet deep in places.
The second avalanche was near the Alpental ski area on Red Mountain – I-90 milepost near 52. Summit at Snoqualmie Marketing Director, Guy Lawrence, said the vicinity is outside the ski area.
A group of 12 snowshoers was involved. Three were injured. One was buried in 6 feet of snow, but dug out. All made it off the mountain.
It snowed heavily Saturday in the Snoqualmie Pass area due to early spring cold front passing through the area.
Search and rescue crews will continuing searching for a missing 60-year old man on Granite Mountain when avalanche conditions subside. King County Sheriff Spokesperson said via TV interview that the mission is likely to be a recovery, though.
