Heavy snow combined with a crystalized base from months of frigid cold have combined for dangerous and uncertain avalanche conditions in the region over the past two weeks with more than ten individuals being caught in one slide or another. There have been several fatalities with one more being added to that total after the Bear Lake County Sheriff’s Office (BLCSO) reported that Allen Foss, 48, of Preston, Idaho was deceased upon his discovery on Saturday.
FOR THE LATEST AVALANCHE CONDITIONS IN THE AREA CLICK HERE:
FOR IN-DEPTH ANALYSIS OF AREA WEATHER CLICK HERE:
According to information released by the sheriff’s office, they were notified of an avalanche in the area of Sherman Peak at approximately 11 am on Saturday, February 20. Initial reports stated than at least one individual was suspected to be buried.
Search and Rescue units from Bear Lake, Caribou and Franklin counties responded to the area and indeed verified that one individual has been buried in the avalanche field.
Riders in the area aided in the search utilizing snow probes until Mr. Foss was found. According to the report, “searchers continued to operate under precarious conditions and were able to retrieve the victim’s body and transport it off the mountain.”
• Search and Rescue crews have been working overtime this winter, especially this month with multiple deaths and rescues. Below are a few of the stories from the area just since December.
Jackson man dies in Togwotee Slide
Avalanche claims the life of Michigan man
Four skiers rescued after GTNP avalanche
Utah man dies in Sheep Pass slide
