Avalanche Forecaster Dies in Snowslide While Skiing in Eastern Oregon

Last week, a tragic accident occurred in eastern Oregon when an experienced avalanche forecaster, Nick Burks, lost his life in a snowslide. The incident took place while he was backcountry skiing the chute on Gunsight Mountain near Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in eastern Oregon.

The Fatal Descent

Nick Burks, 37, along with a friend, both equipped with avalanche air bags and beacons, were skiing the chute when the avalanche was triggered. His friend, skiing ahead of him, witnessed the avalanche overtaking Burks. Although the companion was able to quickly locate Burks using his transceiver, the efforts to revive him were unfortunately unsuccessful.

A Devastating Loss

Upon witnessing the avalanche, people at the ski lodge immediately informed the first responders. Despite the bystanders' attempts to perform CPR on Burks, the authorities, including deputies, firefighters, and search and rescue crews, were unable to save his life. His skiing partner, William Sloop, fortunately escaped without injury.

Nick Burks' Professional Background

Nick Burks had been an integral part of the professional avalanche community for several years. He served as an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center in northeastern Oregon and had previously been a member of the snow safety team at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski and Summer Resort southeast of Portland. His expertise lay in evaluating mountain snow conditions and other weather factors to predict avalanche risks.

A Call for Awareness

The Northwest Avalanche Center highlighted the challenges faced by avalanche forecasters due to climate change and the increasing number of backcountry visitors, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the Wallowa Avalanche Center emphasized the small and close-knit nature of the backcountry community and extended their thoughts and prayers to everyone affected by the tragedy.

Investigation and Statistics

Following the unfortunate incident, the Baker County Sheriff's Office announced that a full investigation would be conducted, with a comprehensive report to follow. This tragedy adds to the toll of eleven people who have lost their lives in avalanches in the U.S. this year, as reported by Avalanche.org. Notably, last month, two backcountry skiers lost their lives, and two others sustained serious injuries in a separate avalanche in eastern Oregon's Wallowa Mountains.