Three hikers safe after close call with avalanche

A group of hikers are safe after a close call with an avalanche near the Historical Mine on Crow Creek Pass trail in Girdwood. Alaska State Troopers received a call Friday shortly before 6 p.m. from a third-party indicating four hikers were involved in the avalanche.

An initial report indicated two hikers were digging out a third hiker, and a fourth was missing. Multiple agencies including the U.S. Forest Service, Alyeska Ski Patrol, Girdwood Fire, and the Rescue Coordination Center responded.

According to AST, the hikers were able to self-rescue before first responders arrived. When met with responders, they confirmed only three individuals had been in their party. Additionally, they indicated they had broken the trail going in, and no one else was in the area of the avalanche.