In a remarkable incident at Stevens Pass Ski Resort in Washington State, Michael Harris, an avid skier from Bothell, found himself trapped beneath an avalanche on February 26, 2026. While skiing the Big Chief Bowl, Harris was swept away by a sudden avalanche, leaving him buried under several feet of snow. Despite his efforts to escape, he was immobilized, with his limbs encased in snow, rendering him unable to move or access his Apple Watch and iPhone. (fox13seattle.com)
Back home, his wife, Penny Harris, grew concerned when she couldn’t reach him by phone. Trusting her intuition, she utilized the “Find My” feature on her iPhone to locate his device. Noticing that his location remained stationary, she contacted Stevens Pass ski patrol, providing them with the precise coordinates. This timely intervention enabled rescuers to locate Harris after four hours, despite the challenging conditions. (foxnews.com)
Upon rescue, Harris was transported to a hospital, where he was treated for hypothermia, pneumonia, a lung contusion, kidney injuries, and a right tibial plateau fracture. His family has since initiated a GoFundMe campaign to assist with medical expenses. Reflecting on the ordeal, Harris expressed profound gratitude for his wife’s quick thinking and the life-saving capabilities of modern technology. He remarked, “I was inches away from the thing that could save my life, but I just couldn’t get there. And yet because she knew how to use ‘Find My iPhone’, I’m here today.” (foxnews.com)
This incident underscores the critical importance of preparedness and the potential life-saving role of technology in avalanche situations. Skiers are advised to equip themselves with reliable communication devices and ensure that loved ones are aware of their whereabouts, especially when venturing into areas prone to avalanches.