A series of avalanches which occurred in the San Gabriel Mountains, above Los Angeles, have killed three people. One of them was found buried in the snow where he suffocated, but there was also one that managed to survive the deadly avalanches a after taking shelter overnight.

Reports show that the four were the only ones to be caught in the avalanches that took place at a ski resort in the mountains northeast of Los Angeles.

"As a result of the avalanches we have three dead and one survivor treated and released," Los Angeles County Sheriff's Deputy Luis Castro said.

One of those unfortunate enough to be in the way of the avalanches was Michael McKay, a 23-year-old ski patrol member. He was off duty when the avalanche hit him near the Mountain High ski resort.
 
A fellow colleague at the ski patrol, Darren Coffey, was also killed in another avalanche while he was skiing. The 33-year-old was found buried in snow by the rescue teams after a desperate search but was later declared dead at a local hospital.

The third victim of the deadly avalanches was found on Saturday by the rescue teams. The man was in his sixties and he was found "in the snow, dead."

The man who was lucky enough to escape the snow slide found shelter overnight before finding his way to the rescue teams in the morning. He was rushed to the local hospital where, after a brief treatment, he was declared to be in good condition.

A warning was issued by the Southern California authorities to put the state’s inhabitants on high alert regarding the possible flash floods, mudslides and road closures.