Buried Beneath the Silence: The Tragic Avalanche That Claimed Charles Eppard Near Girdwood

A Passionate Adventurer Lost to the Mountains

On March 4, 2025, 39-year-old Charles Eppard of Bigfork, Montana, embarked on a heli-skiing expedition in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska. An experienced outdoorsman and avid skier, Eppard was accompanied by two friends, David Linder of Florida and Jeremy Leif of Minnesota. The trio, guided by Chugach Powder Guides, aimed to explore the remote backcountry terrain accessible only by helicopter. Tragically, their adventure turned fatal when a massive avalanche engulfed them, leaving them presumed dead beneath an estimated 40 to 100 feet of snow .

The Avalanche: A Deadly Force of Nature

The avalanche occurred around 3:30 p.m. local time, shortly after the group was dropped off near the West Fork of the Twentymile River, approximately eight miles northeast of the Girdwood Airport. Witnesses reported that the skiers deployed their avalanche air bags as the slide began, a standard safety measure intended to keep victims near the surface. Despite these efforts, the sheer volume and depth of the snow rendered rescue attempts futile. Guides on the scene detected signals from the skiers' emergency beacons but were unable to reach them due to the depth and unstable conditions .

Recovery Efforts Hampered by Hazardous Conditions

Alaska State Troopers, along with avalanche experts and recovery teams, faced significant challenges in their efforts to recover the bodies. Poor weather conditions and the high risk of additional avalanches made it too dangerous to proceed with recovery operations. An aerial assessment conducted on March 6 confirmed that the skiers were buried in a steep section of terrain, with depths ranging from 40 to nearly 100 feet. Authorities concluded that recovery efforts would not be possible until conditions improved to ensure the safety of rescue teams .

Remembering Charles Eppard: A Life of Adventure and Devotion

Originally from North Mankato, Minnesota, Charles "Charlie" Eppard was known for his zest for life and love of the outdoors. He pursued his passion for skiing and fly fishing with enthusiasm, often sharing these experiences with his family and friends. Eppard worked remotely in software sales, which allowed him the flexibility to live in Montana with his wife, Brittany Mitchell, and their daughter, Belen. His brother, Jon Eppard, recalled Charlie as an inspiring figure who encouraged him to embrace adventure and live life to the fullest ....Read More

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