"Tragic Death of Oregon Avalanche Forecaster Highlights Backcountry Skiing Risks"

Experienced avalanche forecaster Nick Burks died in an avalanche he triggered while backcountry skiing in Oregon. Despite carrying avalanche safety equipment, including air bags and beacons, Burks was overtaken by the avalanche. His companion quickly located him using a transceiver, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Burks had been a part of the professional avalanche-forecasting community for years and worked for the Wallowa Avalanche Center. The incident highlights the challenges faced by avalanche forecasters due to climate change and increasing backcountry activity.