Squaw Valley, CA – As a powerful Pacific winter storm whipped the Lake Tahoe region, a ski patroller was killed in an avalanche Tuesday at California’s Squaw Valley ski resort.

Andrew Entin, 41, a Squaw Valley patroller for 16 years was working avalanche control at approximately 8:00 a.m. this morning when he was caught and partially buried. A fellow patroller located and extricated Entin, but he later died at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno. Entin sustained multiple fractures and internal trauma according to a statement issued by ski resort officials.

Lt. Jeff Ausnow of the Placer County Sheriff’s Department said that Entin was performing a ski cut in the Headwall area of the ski resort when the snow fractured above him, carrying Entin into a stand of trees. Ausnow indicated that a preliminary investigation revealed that Entin likely died of blunt force trauma.

“The Squaw Valley family unites in wishing Andrew Entin’s wife and family our deepest sympathy,” said Squaw Valley CEO Nancy Cushing. “Our hearts go out to them at this difficult time. We will not forget Andrew, his camaraderie and his courage.”

Squaw Valley received 20 to 24 inches of snow overnight, for a storm total of 42 inches. The storm was so intense that officials were forced to close a nearly 100-mile stretch of Interstate 80 west of Reno on Tuesday. The California Department of Transportation has issued chain restrictions for all of the region’s mountain passes.