Four people were killed in two separate avalanches near Washington state ski resorts.

Three men died when an avalanche struck near the Stevens Pass ski area in the Cascade Mountains.

They were skiing in an "out-of-bounds" area, which received heavy snowfall overnight.

Avalanche warnings were issued.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) SGT. KATHLEEN LARSON, KING COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE, SAYING:

"There is signage up letting everybody know that these are out of bounds areas and they opted to ski those particular areas.

A witness said he saw about 12 to 15 people hiking towards that area.

He added the allure of fresh snow is often difficult for skiers to resist.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) BRENT FELT, SKIER/WITNESS, SAYING:

"Fourteen inches of new snow and if people want to get some more fresh powder you know, they're going to go seek it out."

In a seperate incident, a snowboarder was killed in an avalanche at the Alpental ski area.

Authorities said heavy snowfall in recent days had triggered the avalanches.

Sophia Soo, Reuters.