Massive Slide At Hyak Damages Homes

At about 11:40 a.m. Wednesday, a 300-foot wide avalanche was triggered on the ski slopes on the face of the main ski run. The slide occurred about 4/5 the way up the ski hill and it is believed that a landslide triggered the avalanche which is covering most of the ski hill, said Snoqualmie Pass Fire and Rescue.

The debris field spanned eight houses. One house was severely damaged and two occupants were pulled and treated for minor injuries. Another house had significant damage while the other houses sustained minor damage according to Matt Cowan, Fire Chief for Snoqualmie Pass Fire & Rescue.

Photos from someone who lives in the area showed a house knocked off its foundation by the slide. A neighbor said a house slid 50 to 100 feet.

Other photos show a wide swath of rock and dirt where there was once a ski run and damage to nearby Interstate 90.

A ski lift tower was secured after it was knocked over and had live electrical wires exposed.

All the homes were evacuated as well as two multi-family housing buildings located at the base of the ski area, Suncrest and Sundance Condominiums.

A secondary search was completed to assess whether or not there may have been additional victims and none were found.

Spokeswoman Meagan McFadden says the area remains unstable amid heavy rainfall, and workers will not be allowed back into the area until it's safe.

The state Department of Transportation also has evacuated its highway workers from the Snoqualmie Pass area as a safety precaution.