All articles tagged with #backcountry
A guided backcountry ski trip near Lake Tahoe was hit by a powerful avalanche during a major winter storm, killing or leaving as many as nine people dead or presumed dead while six others survived; rescuers faced extreme conditions to reach buried skiers, and investigators are examining possible negligent factors as forecasters warned of high avalanche danger.
Two backcountry groups split up to exit Sierra Nevada huts ahead of a major storm: four friends from Frog Lake Huts and about 15 clients/guides with Blackbird Mountain Guides. By Tuesday, a massive avalanche on a north-facing slope near Perry’s Point buried the Blackbird group, killing at least eight, with six survivors and one missing; 3–6 feet of snow and winds up to 60 mph followed several dry, sunny days, and forecasters warned of a weak, destabilizing layer. Survivors who sheltered under a tarp were rescued after hours of whiteout conditions. Questions linger about why the Blackbird party left on Tuesday and whether a different route or delaying departure could have changed the outcome. The tragedy is the deadliest avalanche in the United States in more than four decades.
Amid a powerful Sierra Nevada storm with high avalanche danger, 15 skiers ventured into backcountry near Castle Peak despite warnings. An avalanche on Tuesday buried the group; eight bodies were recovered and one person was missing and presumed dead, bringing nine dead or presumed dead, with six survivors rescued after using avalanche beacons and SOS. The hikers were staying at Frog Lake huts; rescues faced rugged terrain and limited access, making this the deadliest avalanche in modern California history and underscoring the persistent risks of backcountry skiing in volatile snowpack.
Six backcountry skiers were found alive and ten more were missing after an avalanche near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada during a powerful winter storm; search and rescue teams combed the area northwest of Lake Tahoe, with officials warning of dangerous backcountry conditions amid ongoing efforts to locate those buried.
A record 13 backcountry skiers, climbers and hikers died in Italy’s mountains in the past week, including 10 fatalities from avalanches triggered by an unstable snowpack, prompting warnings to backcountry travelers as Winter Olympic competitions begin and authorities stress that managed Olympic sites remain safe.
Six people were killed in separate avalanches across the French Alps over the weekend as authorities warned of extreme avalanche danger (levels 4–5) and urged against off-piste skiing; the fatalities occurred in Val d’Isère, Arêches-Beaufort, Courchevel, La Plagne and Vallorcine, with rescue teams frustrated by non‑compliance and many backcountry skiers lacking essential safety gear, while hundreds sought shelter due to travel disruptions.
The recent snowstorm in the Adirondacks has left the peaks covered in several feet of snow and created wet, muddy conditions in the backcountry, prompting state officials to caution against heading to the trails to view the upcoming total solar eclipse. Forest rangers will be present at trailheads to advise travelers, as the quick melt expected on Monday could make streams and trail crossings impassable. Safe designated viewing areas are recommended for eclipse enthusiasts in the region.
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.
A 20-year-old skier died after falling nearly 600 feet down an icy ravine on Mount Washington in New Hampshire, while two others suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The group faced hard, icy snow surfaces and unforgiving conditions, and the US Forest Service and Mount Washington Avalanche Center conducted a rescue effort. The area, known for extreme skiing, is covered in snow and ice in winter and requires careful use of mountaineering tools and equipment.
Backcountry is hosting its Semi-Annual Sale with discounts of up to 60% on a wide range of outdoor gear, including brands like Patagonia and Cotopaxi. The sale features deals on items such as rain jackets, backpacks, hiking shoes, luggage, travel bags, apparel, and accessories. Highlights include the Black Diamond Men's Stormline Stretch Rain Jacket at 35% off, the Deuter Speed Lite 25L Backpack at 40% off, and the Merrell Women's Moab 3 GTX Hiking Shoes at $112. With a variety of products on sale, outdoor enthusiasts can gear up for spring adventures at discounted prices.
A 67-year-old snowboarder, Peter Harrelson, died in a backcountry avalanche in southwest Colorado near the town of Ophir. His body was found after friends alerted emergency personnel when he didn't return home. This marks the first fatal avalanche in Colorado this year and the fourth nationwide in less than two weeks. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported over 300 avalanches in the San Juan Mountains since January 1, attributing the danger to fresh snow on a weak existing snowpack. Several parts of the West, including Colorado, were at considerable or high risk of avalanche.
Three people are dead and four critically injured after a helicopter carrying skiers crashed in British Columbia's backcountry. The crash occurred during a heli-skiing trip, a popular but expensive winter activity in the province. The cause of the crash is under investigation, and authorities are working with relevant agencies to determine what led to the incident.
23 skiers and snowboarders, including six children, were rescued from the Vermont backcountry in single-digit temperatures by search-and-rescue teams after getting lost. The rescue mission involved hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing for about 5 miles. Additional volunteers and organizations also assisted in the large-scale rescue effort. Authorities had issued a warning about the dangers of venturing into the backcountry due to the extreme temperatures.
Avalanche forecasters in Colorado are warning backcountry travelers of dangerous conditions as new snow piles deep atop weak layers, spiking the risk of large slides over the MLK weekend. With several feet of new snow expected and high winds, the avalanche hazards are compounded, prompting the Colorado Avalanche Information Center to issue an advisory for most of Colorado's mountain ranges. Backcountry skiers are urged to check the forecast and avoid engaging avalanche terrain as danger climbs to "considerable" or "high."
The author reflects on the changing demographics of trail riding, noting that the majority of equestrians today are women. He discusses his role in mentoring two young women, his granddaughters, in the skills necessary for backcountry riding, including driving trucks and trailers, orienteering, staying safe, and caring for horses. He emphasizes the importance of passing on knowledge and skills to sustain the future of trail riding, as he believes that women will play a significant role in shaping the future of this activity.