SNOQUALMIE PASS, Wash. — With high avalanche risk, the Ski Patrol Rescue Team is preparing for the possibility of rescues in the coming days at Snoqualmie Pass.
"The hair on the back of our neck kind of stands up. We're like, OK, someone's going to go out and have an issue and we need to get prepared,” said Erik Olson, a long-time Ski Patrol ranger.
Olson said the expected snow will bring out countless people to ski, snowboard, go snowshoeing, among other winter activities. He stresses the importance of being prepared for anything the elements could send your way.
“It's really critically important for people to know where they're going, what the weather is doing, what the avalanche conditions are if it's winter and be prepared to stay out extra late just in case something happens,” he said.
His message to be prepared comes a day after two snowboarders, who were dangerously close to a cliff, had to be rescued. Olson said a lot of thought goes into every rescue.
“If it's a rescue in avalanche conditions, we think really carefully before we put resources in the field,” he said. “There's been missions we've said people are going to have to wait overnight because it's too dangerous to get to them.”
That’s why he urges anyone headed to the mountains to be prepared. Olson said make sure you come with the appropriate gear to be out in the elements for extended period of time.
Olson also suggested people look to the Northwest Avalanche Center for the latest information on mountain conditions. According to its website, Avalanche Forecasts are issued daily at 6 p.m. Mountain Weather Forecasts come out twice daily in the morning and afternoon.