Park rangers have recovered the body of a dead female skier from the base of Pebble Creek’s Moraine Falls above Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park.
Rangers had been searching for the missing skier after she was last heard from on May 18, before she set out on a ski tour above Paradise.
The park’s contract helicopter found an unresponsive person who appeared to have fallen approximately 200 feet to the base of a waterfall, according to the National Park Service.
Trees and tracks in snow, Paradise Valley; Mount Rainier National Park, WA.
Greg Vaughn/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
Mount Rainier sits high above the treeline surrounded by subalpine meadows full of flowers, Paradise, WA.
NPS Photo
The area was surrounded by a large, unstable snow moat that was subject to rock and ice fall, posing a risk to recovery teams, according to the NPS.
“Rangers were able to recover the body using traditional crevasse rescue methods during another period of favorable weather,” according to the NPS.
A steep trail takes you towards a view point of Mount Rainier in Paradise, WA.
B. Burnett/National Park Service
Blossoming wildflowers in a meadow and Mount Hood with snow, Mount Rainier National Park. Paradise, WA.
Craig Tuttle/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The park’s contract helicopter transported the body to Kautz Creek Helibase for evaluation by the Pierce County Medical Examiner.
The remains of a skier who went missing in May have been found in a Washington park, bringing closure to a months-long search effort. The skier, whose identity has not been released, was reported missing after failing to return from a solo skiing trip in the Cascade Mountains.
Search and rescue teams had been combing the rugged terrain of the park for weeks, battling challenging weather conditions and difficult terrain. Despite their best efforts, the skier remained elusive until recently when hikers stumbled upon the remains in a remote area of the park.
The discovery has brought a sense of relief to the skier’s family and friends, who had been anxiously awaiting news of their loved one’s fate. While the exact cause of death has not yet been determined, authorities believe that the skier likely succumbed to injuries sustained during a fall while skiing.
This tragic incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of backcountry skiing and the importance of being prepared when venturing into remote areas. Skiers are advised to always carry proper safety gear, including avalanche beacons, and to inform others of their planned route and expected return time.
The search and rescue efforts also highlight the dedication and bravery of the teams who worked tirelessly to locate the missing skier. Their commitment to finding the individual, even in the face of challenging conditions, is a testament to their professionalism and expertise.
As the investigation into the skier’s death continues, authorities are urging outdoor enthusiasts to exercise caution when engaging in winter sports and to always prioritize safety above all else. While the discovery of the skier’s remains may bring closure to their loved ones, it also serves as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with outdoor activities in remote and unpredictable environments.
