Two tragic incidents involving avalanches resulted in the deaths of skiers in Central Oregon and California. In Central Oregon, a couple was caught in an avalanche while skiing in the backcountry near Broken Top. Their bodies were recovered by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue Unit. The couple had a long history in the community and were described as touching many lives. The avalanche occurred at 6,700 ft. on a South facing slope and was classified as a D2 avalanche, capable of causing serious harm. Authorities warned of moderate to considerable avalanche danger in the area and advised caution when recreating.
In a separate incident in California, a skier was killed in an avalanche near Powderhouse Peak. The skier was reported overdue to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office and later found dead by friends in the avalanche area. Dangerous snow conditions delayed recovery efforts until the next day when the victim’s body was recovered. The sheriff’s office emphasized the importance of safety and caution when engaging in outdoor activities.
The identities of the victims in both incidents have not been released at this time. The tragedies serve as a somber reminder of the risks associated with backcountry skiing and the need to always be aware of potential dangers.
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