Squaw Valley - Body of missing boarder found, avalanche injures 5

A snowboarder missing since yesterday afternoon was found deceased at Squaw Valley Ski Resort on Friday. Rocklin resident Wenyu Zhang, 42-years-old, was found deceased this morning by Squaw Valley Ski Patrol. A search area was narrowed through the use of a tracker program used by the resort.

A search area was narrowed through the use of a tracking program used by the resort. PCSO Tahoe Nordic Search & Rescue began searching late last night when Zhang did not return from the ski hill. His cause of death is undetermined. Once the tracking program gave searchers an approximate area to search, he was located using a “Recco” device. The RECCO® Rescue System is two-part technology, something ski resort and rescue teams caryy.

The detector sends out a directional search signal, which is echoed by RECCO® reflectors worn by skiers, riders and other outdoors people. Zhang was wearing a helmet when he was found.

Less than five hours later at 1:40 p.m., an avalanche at the resort swept away five people near the Olympic Lady chairlift. One of those suffered serious injuries and was transported to Tahoe Forest Hospital. Another was rescued and transported to the Tahoe Truckee Medical Group at the base of Squaw Valley and was treated and released. According to Squaw Valley, the other three were unharmed.

More than 100 rescuers and avalanche dogs from Placer County Sheriff’s Office, North Tahoe Fire, Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue, and Homewood Ski Patrol responded to the avalanche. They helped clear the scene after all reported missing people were accounted for.