An unfortunate incident occurred in Oregon's Cascade Mountains as an avalanche claimed the lives of two backcountry skiers. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the tragic event, stating that the bodies of the skiers were found in Happy Valley, near Broken Top peak, west of Bend.
The avalanche struck at an elevation of 6,700 feet on a south-facing slope while the couple was skiing. The Central Oregon Avalanche Center, in a social media post, expressed their condolences and highlighted the impact the couple had on the community as longtime residents of Central Oregon.
As of now, the identities of the deceased skiers have not been disclosed. The sheriff's office had received reports of individuals potentially buried in an avalanche in the area, prompting an overnight response to the scene.
The current avalanche danger in the Central Cascades is rated as 'considerable,' with a level 3 on a scale of 0 to 5, according to the Avalanche Center forecast.
This tragic event serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of backcountry activities, especially in mountainous regions prone to avalanches. It underscores the importance of being vigilant and prepared when engaging in such outdoor pursuits.
