"Avalanche Forecaster's Tragic Death Highlights Backcountry Skiing Risks"
Nick Burks, a 37-year-old avalanche forecaster and experienced backcountry skier, was killed in an avalanche while skiing in the Elkhorn Mountains in northeastern Oregon. The accident highlighted the dangers of backcountry skiing, emphasizing the stark contrast between resort skiing and backcountry skiing in terms of avalanche risk.