FOUR people who vanished after an avalanche struck a Nevada mountain range on Monday have been found.
The snow started to crumble down at Lee Canyon located on the outskirts of Las Vegas, Nevada, near Mount Charleston and a search occurred for the missing.
Lee Canyon is home to a popular ski resort and there are also people who live near the area.
According to a Lee Canyon weather report, the area received 11.5 inches of snow in the past 24 hours.
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Clark County Nevada released an update around 4 pm local time that the missing are safe and located.
They are now assisting people off the mountain.
"UPDATE: Four people were initially reported missing. Everyone has been located and is safe. We are currently assisting people off the mountain,' the LVMPD said.
The Mount Charleston Fire Protection District is scanning the area to ensure everyone has been accounted for.
"Update: #MtCharlestonFireProtectionDistrict is leading the #avalanche response efforts with @LVMPD Metro Search and Rescue and Ski Patrol, and is searching to ensure no one is unaccounted for," Clark County Nevada said.
"The initial 911 call reported the possibility of 4 people missing.
"These people have been located, but search efforts are continuing to ensure no one remains missing. The public is advised that SR 156 and 157 remain closed."
Jimmy Alderson, a man who lives on Mount Charleson, said locals were scurrying to make sure everyone was ok after the initial announcement of the avalanche.
"We got some wet snow that came after a whole night of dry snow and the bowl around Sherwood fell in and it took [about] five people with it,” Alderson told NBC affiliate KSNV in Las Vegas.
“People are trying to reach out to find out where folks are and try to account for everybody who isn't at home in their cabin right now.”
Sherwood Bowl is where people ski at Lee Canyon Ski Resort.
Traffic on the mountain has been restricted to residents only.
People have been urged to avoid the area.
Currently, Lee Canyon Rd (SR 156) is closed at US 95 and Kyle Canyon Rd (SR 157) is closed at US 95.
The avalanche was announced earlier in the day on Monday.
"An avalanche has been reported in Lee Canyon,” Clark County Nevada said.
"Residents are the public are urged to avoid travel on SR 156 and 157."
The LVMPD and Metro Police Search/Rescue said earlier they were trying to locate several people who were reported missing.
"Metro Police Search & Rescue is en route. We are trying to locate several people who are reported missing," LVMPD said.
"Conditions are hazardous due to the weather. Please avoid the area until the weather and conditions improve."
The webcam at the ski area was reportedly down following the avalanche.
