Snowboarder killed by avalanche in Sierras

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TRUCKEE, Calif., Dec. 25 (UPI) -- A body found Monday under 2 feet of snow in California is believed to be that of a snowboarder who vanished during an avalanche, authorities said.

The avalanche hit a skiing and snowboarding area at the Donner Ski Ranch near Lake Tahoe in the Sierras at about 9:30 a.m., KXTV in Sacramento reported. An employee said a skier reported a friend had disappeared while snowboarding in the area.

Four hours after the avalanche, a dog belonging to the ski patrol identified what turned out to be the place where the missing man was buried. His body was under 2 to 3 feet of snow.

Nevada County Sheriff's Sgt. Bob Jakobs said the identity of the man would not be released until family had been notified.