Skier Dies In Avalanche Near Crystal Mountain

A 64-year-old Seattle woman was killed in an avalanche near Crystal Mountain this week. Her body was discovered Thursday morning around 11 a.m. by ski patrol.

The avalanche likely happened on Wednesday, according to the mountain. The ski patrol discovered the woman's body after noticing avalanche debris in an area outside the bounds of the resort. Patrol then noticed a partially buried backpack, which led to the discovery of the woman's body.

The woman had been ski-touring in a back-country area, and was apparently skiing uphill when the avalanche happened.

According to the Northwest Avalanche Center, avalanche danger is moderate in the Crystal Mountain-area of the Cascades.

Image via Flickr user Matt Zimmerman