A devastating avalanche near Girdwood, Alaska, has resulted in the deaths of three skiers, all with ties to Minnesota. The victims, including the co-owner of a Mankato radio network, were heli-skiing when they were caught in the avalanche that buried them beneath up to 100 feet of snow. Recovery efforts are underway, but challenging conditions have hindered immediate access to the site. Authorities have confirmed that the skiers are presumed dead as search and rescue teams continue their efforts in the remote backcountry of Alaska.