Kenneth Kidd Identified as Victim in Deadly Avalanche at Palisades Tahoe

POINT REYES, CA — Authorities in Placer County have identified the skier killed in an avalanche at Palisades Tahoe as Kenneth Kidd, 66, of Point Reyes and Truckee. This tragic incident marks the first avalanche-related death in the United States this winter season, according to the Colorado Avalanche Center.

The avalanche occurred just 30 minutes after the resort opened, resulting in a massive debris field estimated to be 450 feet long and 10 feet deep. The incident took place on the KT-22 run, a popular route for advanced skiers and snowboarders known as a “black diamond.”

Following the avalanche, a large-scale search and rescue operation was launched. More than 100 personnel, including avalanche transceivers, probes, and rescue dogs, were deployed to comb the mountain. Assistance was provided by the Olympic Valley Fire, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.

Despite the diligent efforts of the responders, Kidd succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at Tahoe Forest Hospital. Three other skiers were rescued and treated for minor injuries.

Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as “Squaw Valley,” was operating under “considerable” avalanche danger on Wednesday, as classified by the Sierra Avalanche Center. The resort received an additional 14 inches of snow between Wednesday and Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service.

The cause of the avalanche is currently under investigation. In a statement, Palisades Tahoe expressed their deepest sympathies to the family and friends of those involved in the incident.

The ski resort remained closed on Wednesday but reopened on Thursday morning. The safety of visitors and staff is of paramount importance, and further precautions will be taken to prevent such tragic incidents in the future.

Note: This article has been adapted to use simplified British English and different sentences.