1 killed, others injured in Washington avalanche, officials say

February 25, 2018

A deadly avalanche prompted first responders to rush to the Crystal Springs area in Seattle on Sunday, CBS affiliate KIRO-TV reports. Another avalanche reportedly caused a road closure along State Route 20.

One person was killed in the avalanche west of Cle Elum while two had minor injuries and another person also injured, according to Kittitas County officials.

The Northwest Avalanche Center issued an avalanche warning for Washington’s mountains.

Officials urged the public to avoid avalanche terrain or to only go into the backcountry Sunday.

Here’s a closer look at the road closure provided by the Washington State Department of Transportation:

UPDATE: #SR20NCH will remain closed overnight following avalanche just east of Newhalem (~MP 123). WSDOT crews will be out tomorrow AM to assess.

What we know:
– Avalanche approx. 300 ft wide x 25-30 ft high
– 55-60 people behind closure, all safe
– no one unaccounted for pic.twitter.com/s0dS1SSOLn

— WSDOT North Traffic (@wsdot_north) February 25, 2018