Backcountry Skier Killed- Buried By An Avalanche In Idaho, Officials Says: Authorities in Idaho reported that an experienced backcountry skier lost their life on Friday after becoming entangled in an avalanche. The Sawtooth Avalanche Center reported that the unidentified skier was traveling with another seasoned backcountry skier on Donaldson Peak in Idaho’s Lost River Range.
According to officials, one skier caused the slope to collapse as they descended to the ski area where the two were planning to go. A smaller avalanche that he was involved in caused a larger one to erupt. The second skier called for assistance using a satellite communication device before descending the avalanche path. She found the first skier, buried beneath five feet of snow, using a rescue transceiver and probing pole.
She used a shovel to extract him and then started CPR. He was removed by search and rescue personnel, but authorities stated he did not live. Following the deaths of two skiers on Thursday due to an avalanche in the mountains west of Salt Lake City, this man’s death marks the third this week. Officials said that a third skier made it out alive. In March, two snowmobilers perished in separate avalanches in Washington and Idaho.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports that there have been sixteen avalanche deaths in the United States this season. This is less than the about 30 persons who die in avalanches in the United States on average each year.
