Full Breakdown
Miracle Rescue: Skier Survives Four Hours Buried in Avalanche at Stevens Pass
3/5/2026, 2:25:43 AM
Avalanche Incident at Stevens Pass
Michael Harris, a skier from Bothell, Washington, experienced a life-threatening situation when he was buried for over four hours in an avalanche at Stevens Pass Ski Resort. On a powder day, while skiing in Big Chief Bowl, Harris was caught in a snow slide that trapped him beneath several feet of snow. He described the sensation as being "encased in cement," unable to move his arms or reach his phone. Despite the dire circumstances, he managed to survive due to a combination of luck and technology.
Role of Technology in Rescue
Harris's wife, Penny Harris, played a crucial role in his rescue. After failing to reach him by phone, she utilized the Find My iPhone app, which indicated that his location had not changed for several hours. Trusting her instincts, she drove to the ski resort and alerted ski patrol with the GPS coordinates from the app. This information enabled rescuers to pinpoint Harris's location and dig him out.
Medical Condition and Recovery
Upon rescue, Harris was found hypothermic, with a dangerously low body temperature in the high 70s to low 80s degrees Fahrenheit. He sustained multiple injuries, including a lung contusion, pneumonia, kidney injuries, and a right tibial plateau fracture. Following surgery, he is currently recovering in the hospital, where he has been dubbed "the miracle avalanche man" by staff. His family has initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses, which has raised over $25,000 toward a goal of $28,000.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
The incident has sparked discussions within the skiing community regarding avalanche safety, particularly concerning inbounds skiing at resorts. Many have expressed disbelief that a full burial could occur without immediate detection. Critics have raised questions about how the avalanche developed within resort boundaries and emphasized the importance of avalanche safety measures, such as carrying transceivers and being aware of the risks even on seemingly safe days.
Official Statements & Responses
Lauren Harris, Michael's daughter, expressed gratitude towards the Stevens Pass ski patrol and medical personnel for their swift response. She highlighted the importance of the Find My iPhone app in the rescue, stating, "I want to give a big huge thank you to all the hospital staff that have been all hands on deck to help aid my dad."
Verbatim Quotes
- “I was inches away from the thing that could save my life, but I just couldn’t get there. And yet because she knew how to use 'Find My iPhone', I’m here today,” — Michael Harris
- “Up on that mountain, I’d resigned myself that I probably wasn’t coming down that mountain.” — Michael Harris
- “You get a feeling something’s just not right,” — Penny Harris
- “She’s my lifesaver.” — Michael Harris
What's Next
As Harris continues his recovery, the skiing community remains vigilant about avalanche safety. The Northwest Avalanche Center has requested a formal debrief regarding the incident, aiming to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
