Alaska State Troopers say three skiers who had flown by helicopter to a remote mountain range were swept away by an avalanche and likely killed under the weight of snow nearly as deep as a 10-story building.

A trio of skiers is likely buried under an avalanche near Anchorage, Alaska, that occurred Tuesday afternoon, but dangerous backcountry conditions have so far stymied recovery operations, officials announced.

A treacherous avalanche has buried three skiers near Anchorage, Alaska today. "Based on the information provided by the operator, unfortunately, we do not believe that any of the three missing persons survived the avalanche,