We’ve been posting all weekend about ice and avalanche safety as the temps crept higher. At least one encounter has turned deadly. Remember to stay safe.
On Saturday, 1-23-16 The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fatal avalanche that occurred near Swede Creek in the Whitefish mountain range near Olney. Three snow mobilers were riding together when one of them triggered the avalanche.
Two of the individuals were buried, and one was able to self-extricate. The survivors were able to locate the third individual with the help of an avalanche transceiver. He was dug out, but was deceased. Attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful, so the survivors rode out for help.
The deceased is a 33 year old Kalispell area man. His name is being held pending notification of next of kin. Due to poor weather, extreme avalanche conditions and darkness his body was not recovered until today. He was located and recovered by helicopter this morning.
Avalanche experts were flown to the site this afternoon to investigate. More information will be released when it is available.
