Snowboarder Who Triggered Sugar Bowl Avalanche May Face Charges

SUGAR BOWL (CBS13) — A ski resort wants to file charges against a snowboarder who triggered an avalanche on Friday.

Investigators say Christian Michael Mares triggered an avalanche on Friday afternoon after knowingly going into an area at Sugar Bowl Ski Resort that was closed to the public for avalanche danger.

Video of Mares in the avalanche was posted to YouTube the next day.

The resort is now working with the Placer County Sheriff's Department to file criminal charges against Mares. They say he put the safety of the public and ski patrol at risk.

Investigators say Friday's avalanche was not connected to the disappearance of ski instructor Carson May. The 23-year-old was last seen on Thursday and reported missing on Friday after he didn't return from a ski trip. Deputies called off the search for him after five days.