Skier Lost In Tahoe Avalanche

A search has been launched for a skier presumed trapped in an avalanche near a ski resort above Lake Tahoe´s northeast shore.

Mount Rose ski resort spokesman Murray Blaney says the avalanche was triggered yesterday afternoon after three skiers entered an out-of-bounds area known as the Chute just to the east of the resort.

Two skiers made it back to the lodge about 3:35 p.m. Sunday afternoon to report that a 25-year-old male friend was missing.

Washoe County sheriff´s searchers then were notified and joined resort ski patrol members in a search for the man. Blaney says the search was later called off for the night because of extreme avalanche danger.

Washoe County sheriff´s Sergeant Dan Brown says searchers also were hampered by snow, cold temperatures and poor visibility. A weekend storm dumped up to 4 feet of snow at the resort.

Sheriff´s officials plan to resume the search tomorrow morning if weather permits. The National Weather Service is calling for up to 3 more feet of snow tomorrow.

The resort is located 22 miles southwest of Reno.