A map of the Stevens Pass mountain. (Photo via Stevens Pass Ski Area)

The avalanche happened Sunday in the Cascade Mountains in Washington state, roughly three miles from the popular Stevens Pass ski area. One of the men killed was the resort's marketing director, one was an avid skier from a nearby town, and the third was a prominent skiing judge.

The home page for the Stevens Pass ski area read, "The Stevens Pass family is deeply saddened by the loss of 3 extraordinary men. Johnny Brenan – an enthusiastic Leavenworth local, events host and former ski patroller. Jim Jack – a constant positive force, a local legend and pillar within the freeski community. And Stevens Pass’ own Marketing Director, Chris Rudolph – a man of endless charisma and charm, whose vision and dedication to Stevens Pass helped shape the mountain we all love today. We ask that you extend your thoughts, prayers and positive vibes to their family and friends."

CNN reported:

The three were among a group of about 12 skiers that included staffers from ESPN and Powder magazine, which both offered accounts of the incident.

The designated out-of-bounds area they were all in was not closed, and they were allowed to be there, said Deputy Chris Bedker of the King County Sheriff's Office.

"Nature happened," added Katie Larson, also from the sheriff's office, noting that those in the group were experienced and had the required equipment.
John Stifler, Powder magazine's senior editor, said that Jack -- the seventh skiier to head down the slope -- triggered the avalanche.

The fourth skier in the avalanche credits an increasingly popular technology with saving her life.

From ABC News:

Elyse Saugstad told ABC News today that when the avalanche occurred Sunday in Washington state’s Cascade Mountains, “the first thing that came to my mind was to use my airbag device.”

“There’s basically a system where you have a lever on the chest part of the backpack,” she said. “It’s a normal backpack and when you pull the lever. … It deploys the airbags to fill up with air and what it essentially does is, it keeps you above the avalanche.”

Steve Wagner, CEO of ABS Avalanche Rescue Services Inc., the North American branch of the German company that made Saugstad’s backpack, said there was a 97 percent survival rate for those wearing its product.

“It’s the only thing that you can do for yourself when caught in an avalanche,” he told ABC News today.

The backpack costs from $1,000 to $1,200.

Stevens Pass remains open to all recreational ski users. A memorial service for Jack is scheduled for Monday.