Issaquah Man Killed In Crystal Mountain Avalanche

ISSAQUAH, WA — Pierce County officials on Monday confirmed the identity of the man killed Saturday in an avalanche while backcountry skiing in the Silver Basin area at Crystal Mountain. According to KING 5, Robert Weisel, 66, of Issaquah died from blunt force injuries.

As Patch reported Saturday, rescuers were deployed to the mountain Saturday morning after witnesses reported that an avalanche had swallowed a group of skiers. Deputies said five of the six skiers were able to free themselves from the snow, and all were wearing avalanche beacons.

Unfortunately, first responders said Weisel was not breathing when they reached him, and efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.

Find out what’s happening in Bellevue with free, real-time updates from Patch.

KING 5 reports most of Crystal Mountain was closed Thursday due to high winds, and the area where the avalanche occurred was outside the boundaries and considered to be at considerable risk for avalanches.

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to [email protected].

The rules of replying:

  • Be respectful. This is a space for friendly local discussions. No racist, discriminatory, vulgar or threatening language will be tolerated.
  • Be transparent. Use your real name, and back up your claims.
  • Keep it local and relevant. Make sure your replies stay on topic.
  • Review the Patch Community Guidelines.

Source: Bellevue Patch