KELLOGG — Two people were rescued Friday afternoon after an avalanche at Silver Mountain, according to the resort.

The avalanche occurred about 4:30 p.m. on the Moonshine run, an area accessed by Chair Lift 4. 

In a statement, Silver Mountain said several nearby witnesses, including a Silver Mountain ski patroller, observed the avalanche and were able to respond quickly. Both individuals were successfully rescued and suffered no apparent injuries. 

After the rescue, Silver Mountain continued probing the area to ensure no additional skiers were buried. Ski patrol also deployed two avalanche rescue dogs. The area was further cleared using a RECCO detector, a search-and-rescue device used to locate people buried in snow or lost outdoors. Rescuers transmit a directional radar signal that reflects off RECCO chips embedded in clothing and gear, guiding teams to a victim’s location without batteries or activation. 

According to the resort, avalanche mitigation had been underway since the early morning hours. The Moonshine run had been subjected to multiple mitigation efforts throughout the day. 

“Thank you to all the bystanders who assisted and to Silver Mountain ski patrol for your efforts,” the release said. 

The Bitterroot Mountains remain under an avalanche warning, according to the Idaho Panhandle Avalanche Center in Sandpoint. 

IPAC said very dangerous conditions developed earlier in the week following heavy snowfall and extreme winds. 

“A person’s weight or a rider on a machine can very easily trigger avalanches large enough to bury or kill them, and some slides will release naturally,” the warning said. “The recent snowfall has formed dangerous slabs of snow and will likely cause a widespread cycle of natural avalanches large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person.” 

IPAC warned that these slabs may run long distances and are not always visible to the naked eye. The center recommends avoiding areas in or near avalanche terrain during periods of significant instability. 

The avalanche warning is expected to be lifted by 7 a.m. Sunday.