Avalanche Forecaster Dies in Tragic Incident in Oregon

Nick Burks, an experienced backcountry skier and avalanche specialist, was killed in an avalanche he triggered, underscoring the risks of the sport.

Nick Burks, a 37-year-old avalanche forecaster, was killed in an avalanche he triggered while backcountry skiing on Gunsight Mountain in Oregon.
Burks was skiing with a friend, William Sloop, who was uninjured. Sloop attempted CPR on Burks, but efforts were unsuccessful.
Burks was an experienced backcountry skier and worked as an avalanche specialist for the Wallowa Avalanche Center in Joseph, Oregon.
The incident highlights the inherent dangers of backcountry skiing, even for experienced and equipped individuals.
So far in the 2023-24 winter season, 11 people have been killed by avalanches in the United States.