Heli-skiing guide dies in Chugach Mountains avalanche; remembered as ‘local Valdez legend’
VALDEZ, Alaska (KTUU) - A Valdez heli-ski guide was killed in an avalanche on Monday according to Alaska State troopers, one of several that occurred in the Chugach Mountains this week.
Troopers reported in an online dispatch that 46-year-old Michael Hamilton was scouting a portion of the Chugach Mountains near Thompson Pass when he inadvertently triggered an avalanche.
Troopers wrote that the avalanche “carried him approximately 1,500 feet down the mountain and over a steep cliff. Hamilton was able to deploy his avalanche airbag system and was equipped with avalanche mitigation equipment.”
The heli-ski helicopter rescued Hamilton, who was unconscious, and transported him to Valdez. Despite life-saving efforts, Hamilton was declared dead in Valdez.
“Condolences go out to the family and friends of a Local Valdez Legend that passed away on the twenty fifth of April in the Chugach mountains. His passing has left a huge hole in the community, he will not be forgotten,” the Valdez Avalanche Center wrote on its website.
According to the center, the avalanche that killed Hamilton occurred at around 5,800 feet on a northwest aspect in the Pencil Glacier.
The Valdez Avalanche Center put out a forecast on Thursday that lists the avalanche danger as considerable, and Monday’s avalanche was one of several the center reported over the last several days.
On Tuesday, two people were injured when their group of three — recreating near Worthington Glacier, also in Thompson Pass — unintentionally triggered an avalanche. Troopers responded and to rescue all three people, and the two who were injured received medical care in Valdez.
According to the avalanche center, the party caused a ridgeline cornice failure, “causing them to tumble down the west face.”
The Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center puts out an avalanche forecast daily. On Thursday, the avalanche conditions were upgraded to high at all elevations, with several large slab avalanches observed recently.
Troopers warned of dangerous backcountry conditions in their online report, as springtime temperatures rise.
“The Alaska State Trooper and Alaska Wildlife Troopers encourage anyone that is heliskiing, backcountry skiing, or snowmachining to use extreme caution,” they wrote. “There have been a series of dangerous avalanches in the last week in Southcentral Alaska and the Copper River Basin. If you must be in the backcountry ensure that you have avalanche mitigation equipment such as a probe, avalanche beacon, avalanche airbag system, and shovel.”
An online fundraiser for Hamilton and his wife, Sunny, had raised over $138,000 by Thursday afternoon. The fundraiser’s online description called Hamilton real and authentic.
“There was no pretension. No posturing. His honesty, love, and strength were startling, humbling, and inspiring,” the site read.
Valdez Heli-Ski Guides, where Hamilton was employed, announced on social media that it has ceased operations for the rest of the season.
“As a career guide, Mike’s impact on the world was one of big hearted passion and a deep loyal friend to many,” the company wrote. “He leaves behind his wife and soulmate, Sunny Hamilton, his parents Bob and Ruth Hamilton, and his brother Bobby.”
The guide company will host a celebration of life for Hamilton at 4 p.m. this Friday at the Tsaina Lodge in Valdez. A funeral will be held on Saturday.
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with additional information.
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