In this episode of 'History's A Disaster,' hosted by Andrew, we delve into the tragic events of the 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche in California. Leading up to March 31st, unprecedented snowfall and high winds triggered a massive avalanche at Alpine Meadows Ski Resort, destroying buildings and rendering eight people missing. Despite rigorous avalanche control measures led by experts like Jim Plehn and Norm Wilson, the resort was overwhelmed by nature's fury. Rescue efforts were intense and perilous, involving explosives, artillery, and probing for survivors. Ultimately, seven people perished, but one miraculous rescue was achieved when Anna Conrad was found alive after being trapped for five days. The episode recounts the harrowing details, the subsequent lawsuit, and the impact on the Alpine Meadows' avalanche control program. It serves as a sobering reminder of the unpredictable power of nature.
00:00 The 1982 Alpine Meadows Avalanche: An Introduction
00:43 The History and Culture of Alpine Meadows Resort
01:25 Avalanche Control Measures at Alpine Meadows
06:46 The Storm of March 1982
09:57 The Avalanche Strikes
12:05 Rescue Operations and Challenges
19:34 The Aftermath and Legal Battles
20:37 Anna Conrad's Recovery and Legacy
21:22 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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email: historysadisaster@gmail.com
Special thank you to Lunarfall Audio for producing and doing all the heavy lifting on audio editing since April 13, 2025, the Murder of Christopher Meyer episode https://lunarfallaudio.com/
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