davidhowland14
01-15-2008, 04:04 PM
Whitefish, MT - An avalanche occurred early Sunday afternoon on Fiberglass Hill in the Canyon Creek area of the Flathead National Forest near Whitefish, Montana. Two deaths have been confirmed.
The site is within hiking distance of the boundaries of Whitefish Mountain Resort, and is a popular area for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol initially responded to the slide shortly after 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the request of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff's Department coordinated search efforts for two additional victims that witnesses insisted were in the area, although no other people were reported missing.
"It's a tragedy. Like all of our employees, my heart is heavy with grief. I can't even begin to imagine the loss the families and friends of the victims must be feeling,” said Dan Graves, president of Whitefish Mountain Resort. “I am grateful to all of our employees, pass holders, and community members who are helping with rescue efforts. I've never seen such an outpouring of love and concern."
The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol does not actively prevent skiers from crossing boundary ropes, however signs along the boundary advise of the potential dangers of venturing into the back country and emphasize the use of back country safety gear and training for those who choose to recreate out of bounds.
According to the National Avalanche Center, at least 21 people have been killed by avalanches in the western U.S. since Dec. 2.
The site is within hiking distance of the boundaries of Whitefish Mountain Resort, and is a popular area for backcountry skiing and snowmobiling.
The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol initially responded to the slide shortly after 12:30 p.m. Sunday at the request of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Department. The Sheriff's Department coordinated search efforts for two additional victims that witnesses insisted were in the area, although no other people were reported missing.
"It's a tragedy. Like all of our employees, my heart is heavy with grief. I can't even begin to imagine the loss the families and friends of the victims must be feeling,” said Dan Graves, president of Whitefish Mountain Resort. “I am grateful to all of our employees, pass holders, and community members who are helping with rescue efforts. I've never seen such an outpouring of love and concern."
The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol does not actively prevent skiers from crossing boundary ropes, however signs along the boundary advise of the potential dangers of venturing into the back country and emphasize the use of back country safety gear and training for those who choose to recreate out of bounds.
According to the National Avalanche Center, at least 21 people have been killed by avalanches in the western U.S. since Dec. 2.