Avalanche

SEATTLE — A female snowshoer has died hours after she was dug out of an avalanche by fellow hikers, and a man remained missing Sunday, one day after a pair of spring avalanches struck separate groups hiking in the Cascade Mountains east of Seattle, authorities in Washington state said.

SALT LAKE CITY -- A backcountry skier was lucky to survive an avalanche that dragged him down Mount Superior - the steep mountain facing Snowbird Resort.

SALT LAKE CITY — A 41-year-old skier buried up to his neck Sunday in an avalanche underscored the danger of the adventure sought by hundreds every weekend in the Wasatch mountains east of Salt Lake City.

So far this winter, avalanches have trapped 25 people and killed two young brothers snowmobiling near Heber City, according to the Utah Avalanche Center.

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah authorities say a backcountry skier was injured after he was caught in an avalanche and buried up to his neck.

SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — Steve Hamill first ventured into the backcountry three years ago, drawn by a desire to be in the woods during the winter. But it was an unnerving encounter with a small avalanche that eventually drove the 52-year-old clinical engineer to a three-day course this month to learn how to survive in avalanche terrain.

Hamill is among a growing number of people seeking solitude, untouched powder and outdoor thrills.

SALT LAKE CITY — Elisabeth Malloy is not going to let an avalanche keep her out of the backcountry.