Quick response and bystander assistance help bring rider to safety.
VALDEZ, ALASKA (April 18, 2026) —A snowmachine rider triggered an avalanche on the south aspect of DOT Ridge (Loveland) near Thompson Pass Saturday afternoon and was safely transported from the field with the help of bystanders. Valdez Fire Department (VFD) personnel initiated a search and rescue response after receiving a report at 2:23 p.m. from a member of the public at the Valdez Snowmachine Club’s Mountain Man Hill Climb event. The rider later arrived at the command post without serious injury.
VFD personnel on-site for event safety were approached by a witness who reported seeing a rider travel off the south side of DOT Ridge near the summit. The witness followed the rider’s tracks until terrain and conditions made it unsafe to continue, then alerted emergency personnel who were staged nearby.
VFD personnel quickly organized an initial search team with on-site personnel and volunteers. Responders from VFD, Alaska Safe Riders, and the Valdez Snowmachine Club immediately began searching the area. Poor visibility and active avalanche conditions made the search challenging.
At 2:38 p.m., a rescue operations command post was established at the Alaska Department of Transportation Thompson Pass Station in coordination with the Alaska State Troopers. Additional VFD rescue personnel, snowmachines, and backcountry rescue resources responded. The Valdez Police Department supported the effort with drone overflights.
During the search, responders identified a large avalanche with fresh debris and began focusing efforts in that area. While teams were actively searching, the rider arrived at the command post after being transported out of the field by bystanders.
The rider reported traveling too far up the slope and overshooting the ridgeline, landing on the south face. While attempting to turn back uphill, he triggered a large avalanche that carried him approximately 1,000 vertical feet downslope. During the descent, the snowmachine struck a rock, ejecting the rider onto the avalanche debris surface. The rider reported narrowly avoiding being swept over steep cliffs.
Safety Reminder:
The Valdez Fire Department reminds all backcountry users to be prepared when recreating in avalanche terrain. Always travel with a partner and carry essential safety equipment, including a beacon, probe, and shovel. Conditions can change rapidly, and proper preparation can save lives. For more on avalanche safety, please follow local advisories and practice safe riding habits.