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 38-year-old Minnesota man was identified as one of three people believed to have died in an avalanche south of Anchorage.

Alaska State Troopers said three skiers are likely dead after an avalanche buried them in the Chugach Mountains near Girdwood, Alaska, on Tuesday.