Experienced Backcountry Skier Dies in Avalanche on Donaldson Peak, Idaho. A tragic incident occurred on Friday when an experienced backcountry skier lost their life after being buried by an avalanche on Donaldson Peak in Idaho’s Lost River Range.
The avalanche occurred when two seasoned backcountry skiers were traveling on Donaldson Peak. One skier triggered the slope collapse while climbing down to where the pair were going to ski. He got caught in a small avalanche, which set off a second larger avalanche.
The second skier used a satellite communication device to call for help and then a rescue transceiver and probe pole to locate the first skier buried under about five feet of snow. She performed CPR on the first skier after digging him out with a shovel. Search and rescue teams evacuated him, but he didn’t survive.
This incident marks the third avalanche death this week, following the deaths of two skiers on Thursday due to an avalanche in the mountains west of Salt Lake City. A third skier survived that incident. In March, two snowmobilers perished in separate avalanches in Washington and Idaho.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, there have been 16 avalanche deaths in the United States this season. This is less than the average of about 30 people who die in avalanches in the United States every year.
Avalanche safety specialists say their job has become more difficult in recent years as climate change brings extreme weather. Rising numbers of skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers have also been visiting backcountry areas since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Avalanche safety is crucial, especially in areas with unstable snow conditions. Skiers and snowboarders should always check the avalanche forecast before heading out and take necessary precautions to stay safe.
Our condolences go out to the family and friends of the skier who lost their life in this tragic incident.
Stay informed about avalanche safety and conditions in your area to enjoy the backcountry safely.
The death of an experienced backcountry skier on Donaldson Peak, Idaho, is a tragic reminder of the dangers of avalanches. It’s essential to prioritize avalanche safety and take necessary precautions to stay safe in the backcountry. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the skier who lost their life in this incident.
