One reported missing in Juneau avalanche

JUNEAU (AP) -- One person was reported missing Thursday after an avalanche near Eaglecrest Ski Area in Juneau, Alaska State Troopers said.

The city-owned ski resort reported a large avalanche early Thursday afternoon in an out-of-bounds area called Hogsback Ridge, said Greg Wilkinson, a spokesman for the troopers.

Three people were initially caught in the slide, but two escaped, Wilkinson said.

Rescue workers from Juneau Mountain Rescue, along with search dogs, headed to the scene. Officials planned to assess the risk of further avalanches before bringing in more searches, said Wilkinson, who could provide no further information.

Mike Hinman, a local snowboarder, was inside the ski area's boundaries when the avalanche hit. He said the affected area is about a 45-minute hike from Eaglecrest proper. The area's main lift was closed an hour early, he said.

''It's an excellent, excellent run,'' Hinman said. ''It is a little dangerous and not patrolled.''

Eaglecrest officials reached by telephone wouldn't comment, and Capital City Fire and Rescue referred calls to the troopers.