The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office responded to a tragic avalanche incident near Broken Top, Oregon, claiming the lives of two skiers. The unfortunate event took place approximately 185 miles southeast of Portland, highlighting the inherent dangers of winter sports in mountainous regions. The couple's absence was reported to the county's dispatch on Monday, prompting a swift but cautious response from the authorities.
The avalanche, which occurred on a south-facing slope at an elevation of 6,700 feet, was classified as a D2 avalanche. Such avalanches can bury, injure, or kill a person and typically span the length of a football field. The couple was skiing in an area known as Happy Valley, situated between the Bend Watershed and the Broken Top area, when disaster struck.
"The avalanche occurred at 6,700 ft. on a South facing slope," – The Avalanche Center
Due to the dangerous snow conditions, recovery efforts were postponed until Tuesday morning. The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Unit successfully recovered the couple from Trail 8 on snow-covered Forest Service Road 370 at 5 p.m. after mitigating further avalanche dangers.
"Please use extreme caution when recreating in the areas and check coavalanche.org for more information, including forecasts and observations," – Police
The Central Cascades area, where the incident occurred, experienced moderate to considerable avalanche danger at the time. In light of this tragedy, authorities urged individuals to stay away from risky areas due to ongoing hazards. The Avalanche Center and local law enforcement continue to monitor conditions closely to prevent further incidents.
"We extend our deepest condolences to all who loved the couple who tragically lost their lives while doing what they loved," – The center
"I am deeply saddened by the tragic loss of the couple who lost their lives in the avalanche while enjoying the Central Oregon backcountry," – Deschutes County Sheriff Kent van der Kamp
In a related incident, another skier lost their life in an avalanche near Powderhouse Peak in California, approximately 111 miles east of Sacramento. This incident underscores the importance of caution and awareness when engaging in outdoor activities during winter months.
"The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office wishes to remind everyone to be safe and exercise caution when recreating in the outdoors," – The El Dorado County Sheriff's Office
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