Truckee Teen Found Buried Alive Under 5 Feet Of Snow Next To His House

A teen in Truckee, California was missing for several hours before he was found alive, buried under five feet of snow right next to his home.

On Wednesday, January 27, the 14-year-old was playing in a snow cave near his home when a large pile of snow slid off the roof of his house and buried him.

When he didn't come back inside after a few hours, family members searched for him and eventually called 911 when they couldn't him, according to CBS13.

A Fire Department statement said that Truckee fire Protection district firefighters immediately suspected a roof avalanche when they arrived at the scene.

The firefighters began probing into the snow near the edge of the roof and got a "hit" with a probe, reports CBS13.

After digging in that spot they eventually found the boy buried under the snow.

Roof avalanches are fairly common and have led to more serious accidents, some being fatal. Firefighters have warned people to stay away from areas where snow can slide off a roof, especially buildings that have metal roofs.

Parents should check on kids frequently and firefighters also encourage kids playing in the snow to never go out alone and use the buddy system.

Photo: Getty Images