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A Utah man is reported dead after being caught in a backcountry slide in Western Montana on Tuesday.
David Macfarlane, 64, of Park City, Utah, died Tuesday in the snow slide near Lost Trail Pass on the Montana-Idaho border, Sheriff-Coroner Steve Holton said in a statement.
According to a report from Arden Feldman, Lead Forcaster at the West Central Montana Avalanche Center, a group of five people were skiing northwest of Lost Trail Pass in the Bitterroot Mountains when they were caught in a large avalanche, approximately 250 wide and 3 feet deep, at around 8000 ft elevation. Members of the group were able to locate the victim, begin first aid, and notify emergency services using a satellite device. Unfortunately, the victim died before the rescue helicopter arrived. Forecasters from the West Central Montana Avalanche Center visited the site yesterday.
The slide occurred in Missoula Avalanche's Bitterroot forecast zone, where the current avalanche risk is "moderate". As avalanche incidents continue to stack up this season, it's more important than ever to be prepared, especially when heading out into the backcountry.
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