Park Rangers in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington State have recovered the body of a skier who reportedly suffered a 200-foot fall three weeks ago.
The body was recovered at the base of a waterfall in the park on June 8, according to park officials.
“A team of park rangers recovered the body of a deceased female skier from the base of Pebble Creek’s Moraine Falls above Paradise at Mount Rainier National Park on June 8,” according to a statement by the National Park Service.
“A team of two climbing rangers from Camp Muir looked over the Nisqually and Paradise glaciers and searched the Muir Snowfield to Pebble Creek and Panorama Point. A team of two volunteers conducted a visual search of the Nisqually drainage.”
The skier, a woman whose name has not yet been made public, was last heard from on May 18, the day before she started her ski tour. Her body was located at the base of Pebble Creek’s Moraine Falls during a helicopter search.
“The park’s contract helicopter conducted a reconnaissance flight during a window of favorable weather and located an unresponsive person who appeared to have fallen approximately 200 feet to the base of a waterfall,” the statement continued.
Previous attempts to recover her body were hampered by what officials referred to as a “large, unstable snow moat that was subject to rock and ice fall,” in the official statement.
Upon recovery, the woman’s body was flown to the Pierce County Medical Examiner’s Office.
“Rangers were able to recover the body using traditional crevasse rescue methods during another period of favorable weather,” according to the statement.
The Moraine Falls are above Paradise. The area can be accessed by road and is known for wildflower meadows.
Mount Rainier National Park is known for its abundant natural beauty and is a popular spot for visitors to enjoy winter activities.
“Mount Rainier National Park is a popular place to enjoy winter activities. The mountain receives abundant snowfall and the scenery is spectacular. In winter, recreational opportunities are numerous,” according to the National Park Service’s website.
While visitors can enjoy an array of activities, including hiking, skiing, and camping, caution is advised around the onset of snow in late October.
Visitors to the area are advised to familiarize themselves with winter travel tips, road status, and up-to-date weather forecasts in order to be prepared for any potential winter hazards.