The home is located on Pelton Drive, off of the Miracle Mile Road. Week stated that earlier in the day there were at least two people at the home, cleaning.  Deputy Rohrbach summoned assistance from River Com and responded to the scene.  Due to the danger in the area Deputy Rohrbach was only able to confirm the slide and the destruction of the home from a distance.

Washington State Department of Transportation Avalanche control personnel, Mike Stanford and Marty Schmoker responded to assess the area for avalanche potential, before search dogs and handlers were allowed to conduct a search.  Three Stevens Pass avalanche dogs and handlers were allowed on scene when safe. The searchers conducted a 2 1/2 hour search finding no one. Three areas were flagged based on a "hit" signaled by the dogs.  Deputies and search teams will determine what caused the "hit" by the avalanche search dogs today.  There is a strong odor of propane in the immediate area of the demolished house. It was determined a large propane tank was ruptured near the foundation of the home.

A two-story wood frame house was destroyed and moved 40-50 feet downhill from its foundation.  The house was a recreation vacation home and the owner resides full time in King County.  The remains of the structure are spread from the foundation to the middle of Pelton Drive.  The owner and house cleaners were located and confirmed no one was in the residence. 

DOT personnel agreed the likelihood of more avalanches is relatively low through the night, however cautioned that this afternoon local temperatures are expected to spike above 40 degrees, so there will be an increased avalanche danger.  They advised of more snow above the current avalanche debris field that has a potential to slide.

Fifteen homes have been evacuated that were in the pathway of any potential avalanche activity. Of those residences contacted, only four were occupied and it was confirmed they all vacated on orders to do so.  Additional homes on Miracle Mile Rd and Pelton Road have been notified of the danger and will be in a Level 1 evacuation advisory. 

CAUTION ADVISORY!  Access to the immediate area of this residence will be restricted to essential personnel only and all persons entering shall log in / log out for accountability.  No persons should enter the Level 3 area without an Avalanche transceiver.