3 Skiers, Including Couple, Killed in 2 Separate Avalanches in Oregon and California

Mar. 15, 2025

3 Skiers Killed in 2 Separate Avalanches in Oregon and California.Photo:flashalert

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Three skiers have died following two separate avalanches in Oregon and California on Monday, Feb. 17, according to local authorities.

In Oregon, two skiers were buried in an avalanche in an area between the Bend Watershed and Broken Top Mountain “commonly known as Happy Valley,” theDeschutes County Sheriff’s Office(DCSO) stated in a news release.

The two people killed in the avalanche were a couple, Sheriff Kent van der Kamp and officials with theCentral Oregon Avalanche Center. Their names have not been released to the public.

Friends began searching for the victims after realizing they were overdue, and found the pair dead just before midnight, officials added. Crews later recovered the bodies from near Trail 8.

3 Skiers Killed in 2 Separate Avalanches in Oregon and California.flashalert

“We extend our deepest condolences to all who loved the couple who tragically lost their lives while doing what they loved,” avalanche center officials said. “As longtime residents of Central Oregon, they have touched many lives, and their legacy will continue to live on in our community. We will mourn this loss together, take care of each other.”

Sheriff van der Kamp said the couple had a “long history in our community" and “the lives they touched are a testament to the spirit and resilience that make Central Oregon such a special place to live.”

“On behalf of the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office and our entire community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to their family and loved ones during this difficult time,” the sheriff added.

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That same day, in El Dorado County, Calif., another avalanche buried a 46-year-old man from South Lake Tahoe.

Central Dispatch received a call around 4:08 p.m. about “an overdue backcountry skier around Powderhouse Peak near Luther Pass,” according to the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDCSO).

A short time later, officials said friends found 46-year-old Frederic Dross dead in the area where an avalanche had occurred. Crews recovered the man’s body the next day.

Both sheriff’s offices delivered separate warnings following the fatal avalanches. The EDCSO offered a general reminder “to be safe and exercise caution when recreating in the outdoors.”

Meanwhile, the DSCO said the public should be aware that “avalanche danger in the Central Cascades area is moderate to considerable.”

“Please use extreme caution when recreating in the areas and check coavalanche.org for more information including forecasts and observations,” officials added.

source: people.com