On February 5, 2024 an avalanche occurred on the beloved ski resort of Lee Canyon. Prior to the incident, days of heavy rainfall poured throughout the valley, meaning that the snow on Lee Canyon was plentiful.
Receiving almost 11.5 inches of snowfall, “Conditions are hazardous due to the weather,” stated the Las Vegas Police Department urging people not to make the trip up due to the dangers that come with heavy snowfall. This reduced the amount of people up on the mountain during the avalanche. Residents were notified about the details pertaining to the event.
Many were told that a search and rescue team was sent out to check for any casualties that may have gone unnoticed during the avalanche. Concern brewed throughout residents when four people were presumably missing after the avalanche had fallen. Luckily, there were no casualties found when search and rescue was sent out and all four residents were found among the snow.
Not only were their guests in danger but also their employees. The employees were also checked following the avalanche.
Senior and Lee Canyon Resort employee Boyd Tandberg said “On the day of the avalanche my boss texted all of my coworkers and I to make sure we were okay. I luckily wasn’t working that day but not to say it wasn’t scary to think of my friends and coworkers stuck up there. It was a relief to find out that no one was hurt or injured.”
Fellow employees were glad that none of the damage was severe. Many residents go up to Lee Canyon yearly, including students at Shadow Ridge. It has become one of the beloved ski resorts over the years. When informed with the news many students were saddened.
Senior Hudson Leddingham, an avid snowboarder said, “I was sad to hear what happened up there. It’s one of my favorite places to go and have fun with friends, but I am very glad to hear no one was hurt.”
Other students felt the same way.
Senior Alizay Sanchez stated, “My family and I go up there all the time and it’s scary knowing that it could’ve been us up there. I hope everyone is safe now.”
Many people now are being more cautious about driving up. Since this incident, police say they will be taking more precautions.
