A tragic incident occurred in Idaho when a backcountry skier was killed in an avalanche triggered by his girlfriend. The preliminary report by the Sawtooth Avalanche Center revealed that the pair, both experienced backcountry skiers, were traversing down Donaldson Peak in Idaho’s Lost River Range when the avalanche struck. The girlfriend, who remains unnamed, had removed her skis and was walking down a portion of the mountain when she triggered a small avalanche. Subsequently, a much larger avalanche was triggered, resulting in the tragic death of her partner.
Despite her best efforts, the girlfriend was able to dig her boyfriend out of the 5 feet of packed snow, but unfortunately, he did not survive the accident. She immediately called for help, used her rescue transceiver and probe pole to locate her boyfriend, and began CPR once he was freed from the snow. Search and rescue teams responded to the incident, but the boyfriend ultimately did not survive. The names of the skiers were not included in the report, but Ski Magazine identified the victim as a local ER doctor skiing with his girlfriend.
This incident follows the deaths of two skiers aged 23 and 32 who were killed in an avalanche at Utah’s Lone Peak Canyon just a day earlier. Thankfully, a third skier caught in the snowslide was able to dig himself out and is in fair condition. The recent avalanche fatalities are part of a larger trend, with at least 16 people killed in avalanches this winter, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. On average, around 30 people die in snowslides each year in the US.
Avalanche safety specialists have noted that their work has become increasingly challenging in recent years due to the effects of climate change bringing about extreme weather. The unpredictable nature of avalanches and the increase in extreme weather events have made it more difficult for individuals to navigate backcountry terrain safely. As a result, it is crucial for backcountry skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed about avalanche conditions, receive proper training, and carry necessary equipment like rescue transceivers, probe poles, and shovels to be prepared in case of emergencies. Tragedies like the one in Idaho serve as a sobering reminder of the risks associated with backcountry activities and the importance of being vigilant and prepared while exploring remote mountain areas.
