Two Rescues at Snoqualmie Pass over Weekend: Fallen Hiker, Backcountry Skier Caught in Avalanche

It was a busy weekend at Snoqualmie Pass for King County Search and Rescue crews. Saturday evening an injured hiker was pulled out by helicopter and then Sunday afternoon crews had to pack out an injured backcountry skier

Injured Hiker near Snow Lake

The low-flying helicopter over the Snoqualmie Valley Saturday night was returning from a rescue mission at Snoqualmie Pass.

King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian 2 helicopter responded with Bellevue Medic 2 crews to the Snow Lake area of Snoqualmie Pass around 7PM, April 26, 2014, to assist in the rescue of an injured hiker. It was reported the hiker fell about 50 feet.

Medics assessed and Guardian 2 hoisted the injured hiker out from a ridge above Snow Lake, The person was airlifted to a waiting ambulance at Alpental and then taken to an area hospital.

Guardian 2 reported Saturday evening that the condition of the hiker was unknown.

According to Washington Trails Association, the Snow Lake Trail is one of the state’s most heavily used trail system within a designated wilderness area, attracting hundreds of hikers during the summer months.

The King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support unit provided a video of the Saturday hoist rescue HERE.

Injured Skier near Mt. Snoqualmie 

Due to poor weather conditions, a Guardian 2 helicopter rescue was not possible for an injured backcountry skier on Mt. Snoqualmie, Sunday, April 27, 2014. The skier was reportedly caught in an afternoon avalanche and sustained two broken legs. KOMO Morning News reported he also sustained life-threatening internal injuries.

According to the Seattle Mountain Rescue Facebook page, two backcountry skiers were caught in the wet slide while skiing the Slot Couloir on Mt Snoqualmie Sunday afternoon, but only one was injured.

Crews from Seattle Mountain Rescue, Everett Mountain Rescue, King County Search and Rescue and the SPART (Ski Patrol Rescue Team) worked together rescue the injured man. They hiked in about two miles to reach the skier and then packed him out, which took about 8 hours.

A waiting ambulance transported the man to Harborview Medical Center at 1:15AM.