Avalanche forecaster killed in Eastern Oregon avalanche
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — An avalanche forecaster was killed Wednesday afternoon after an accident on an Eastern Oregon mountain near Anthony Lakes resort, authorities say.
Just after 4:30 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of the two skiers buried in an avalanche on the north side of Gunsight Mountain.
Deputies, along with search and rescue and fire departments from nearby counties, arrived to find bystanders performing CPR on 37-year-old Nick Burks. The other skier involved, 37-year old William Sloop, was not injured, authorities say.
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Despite attempts to revive Burks, he died from his injuries.
Early investigation determined that both were experienced backcountry skiers and had the necessary equipment on them in the event of an emergency. However, while skiing down a chute on Gunsight Mountain, Burks triggered the avalanche, which buried him. Sloop then turned on his transceiver and found Burks near a tree.
A group of people at the lodge saw the avalanche happen and immediately called first responders, officials say.
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Burks, an avalanche forecaster with the Wallowa Avalanche Center (WAC) in northeastern Oregon, has also worked as part of the snow safety team at Mt. Hood Meadows ski area.
“Our backcountry community is small and we understand the tremendous grief many are experiencing,” WAC said in a statement on their website. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to all affected.”
WAC added there will be a full investigation into the incident and a report to follow in the coming days.
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