TURNAGAIN PASS, ALASKA – A tragic avalanche in Turnagain Pass has claimed the life of 16-year-old Tucker Challans, a snowmachiner from Soldotna, Alaska. The devastating incident occurred on Saturday, March 22, 2025, when Challans and a group of riders were exploring the backside of Seattle Ridge, an area well-known for its avalanche risks.
According to authorities, Challans triggered the avalanche while riding on a steep slope, unknowingly setting off a massive snow slide that quickly engulfed him under an estimated 10 to 15 feet of snow. Fellow riders immediately launched a desperate rescue effort, using avalanche beacons and probes to locate him beneath the snowpack. Despite their quick response, it took nearly an hour to dig him out, and he was tragically pronounced dead upon recovery.
How the Avalanche Occurred
Witnesses reported that the group was riding in an area with unstable snow conditions following recent storms. The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center had previously warned that a persistent weak layer of snow buried beneath fresh accumulation had created dangerous conditions for backcountry recreation. The avalanche, with a crown depth of 2 to 3 feet and a width of approximately 500 feet, was human-triggered, as Challans unknowingly disturbed the fragile snowpack.
The debris field left behind was massive, ranging from 10 to 15 feet deep, making it an extremely difficult and dangerous recovery effort. Despite being experienced riders, the conditions proved unpredictable and deadly.
Avalanche Warnings Were in Place
The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center had been issuing avalanche warnings for weeks, cautioning snowmachiners, skiers, and snowboarders about the high risk of snow slides in the region.
Wendy Wagner, director of the avalanche center, emphasized that a buried weak layer in the snowpack had made the slopes highly unstable. “This kind of instability can be triggered even from lower on the slope or adjacent to steep terrain,” Wagner said. “Avoiding these areas is the best way to stay safe.”
Growing Avalanche Fatalities in Alaska
This tragic accident marks the fourth avalanche-related fatality in Alaska this month. Just weeks ago, three heli-skiers lost their lives in an avalanche near Girdwood, further highlighting the dangers of unstable backcountry conditions this season.
Experts say that 2025 has seen an alarming increase in avalanche deaths, especially in popular recreation areas. The combination of fresh snowfall, wind slabs, and persistent weak layers has made the backcountry unpredictable, even for seasoned riders and experienced mountaineers.
Staying Safe in Avalanche Country
Authorities continue to stress the importance of proper preparation and avalanche safety training. Backcountry riders and skiers are urged to:
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Check avalanche forecasts before heading out.
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Avoid steep slopes and stick to lower-angle terrain.
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Carry avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels at all times.
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Travel in groups and have a rescue plan in case of emergencies.
As Alaska’s winter recreation season continues, Challans’ death serves as a tragic reminder of how unpredictable the backcountry can be. His passing has left the local community mourning the loss of a young life taken far too soon by nature’s raw power.
