March 19, 2011 - Fatality at Hatcher Pass
James E. Helling, 65, of Palmer died in an avalanche on Bald Mountain at Hatcher Pass. Skiing with his friend, Jerry Kallam, 54, said. Both were equipped with avalanche beacons and other specialty gear. After a three-hour climb up Hatch Ridge in the Hatcher Pass area, they started their descent, picking a well-traveled route that other skiers had made the same day.
Jerry swam and kicked his way out while James remained buried. When recovered he was found under 14-16ft of compacted snow.