Nick Burks.Photo:Wallowa Avalanche Center
Wallowa Avalanche Center
An avalanche forecaster died after he triggered a snowslide while skiing with a friend in Oregon, authorities said.
Nick Burks, 37, and his friend were backcountry skiing the chute on Gunsight Mountain on March 6 near the Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, according to theBaker County Sheriff’s Office.
“The initial information indicated that two skiers were buried,” officials said.
Burks' friend, William Sterling Sloop, 37, was uninjured. The sheriff’s office said both were “experienced backcountry skiers and were equipped with avalanche air bags and beacons.”
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“Sloop was the first to arrive at the bottom and watched Burks begin to make his way down. An avalanche was triggered and overtook Burks,” authorities noted. “Sloop immediately turned on his transceiver and was able to locate Burks near a tree.”
A group at the lodge witnessed the avalanche and notified first responders. They then made their way to the avalanche location and assisted with lifesaving efforts.
“Nick has been an integral part of our professional avalanche community for years,” the center said. “Nick worked as a part of the snow safety team at Mt Hood Meadows ski area, and more recently, as an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center (WAC) in northeastern Oregon.”
The Wallowa Avalanche Centersaid a full investigation and report will be released.
“Our backcountry community is small and we understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing,” the WAC said. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.”
source: people.com
