Air Guard flies two people hurt in avalanche near Eklutna Lake to Anchorage hospital

Alaska Air National Guard rescuers evacuated two avalanche victims near Eklutna Lake on Saturday, Oct. 10, and flew them to Providence Alaska Medical Center in Anchorage.

Alaska Wildlife Troopers received the avalanche report at 12:31 pm that day. Both people were injured, according to the troopers' dispatch log. The Alaska State Troopers requested the mission through the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center, according to a Guard release, and the Guard sent rescue crews from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson. Neither agency named the two.

A 210th Rescue Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter carried 212th Rescue Squadron Guardian Angels to the reported location, about 30 miles northeast of Anchorage. The crew landed in a nearby clearing.

Guardian Angels are combat rescue officers and pararescuemen trained for search and rescue in high-risk mountain terrain. The Guard said they gave the two "life-saving medical treatment" to stabilize them before loading them for the flight.

The Guard's release also carried seasonal advice from Graham Predeger of the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Center.

"It's avalanche season in Alaska," Predeger said. "If folks are getting out and recreating in these risky areas, we recommend they bring a full complement of avalanche rescue gear: an avalanche beacon, shovel and probe."

He also advised traveling with a partner and letting someone know where you're going and when you expect to be back.

The rescue coordination center stressed having a reliable communication plan that includes carrying a personal locator beacon.

The 176th Wing's rescue units stand alert for the 11th Air Force and Alaska NORAD Region. The Guard said they also work with the rescue coordination center on civil search and rescue across Alaska when available.