A tragic accident claimed the life of a skier on Friday May 10th. Two experienced backcountry skiers were traveling on Donaldson Peak in Idaho’s Lost River Range. While downclimbing to their ski descent, Skier 1 triggered and was caught in a small wind slab avalanche. The slide carried Skier 1 downhill, triggering a second and larger avalanche. Skier 2 used a satellite communication device to call for help before descending the avalanche path. She located Skier 1 with her rescue transceiver and probe pole. Skier 1 was buried under at least 5 feet of snow. She dug Skier 1 out of the snow with her shovel and began CPR. Search and rescue teams responded and evacuated Skier 1, but he did not survive the accident.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the victim.
Additional preliminary details can be found HERE
We are closed for the season. We would like to thank the many, many people who make the avalanche center what it is: the Friends of the Sawtooth Avalanche Center, local businesses and sponsors, the guides and ski patrol workers, and the backcountry skiers and riders. It’s a remarkable effort. Thank you all for your help, your donations, your observations, and your enthusiasm.
We will publish our Annual Report in May. During the summer months, we are not in the office regularly but do monitor info@sawtoothavalanche.com.
Are you interested in driving the development of future avalanche forecast products? Simon Fraser University is collaborating with US avalanche centers to better understand how useful avalanche forecast information is for trip planning. Click here to participate in a 20 minute survey.