According to a statement shared on Facebook, the Northwest Avalanche Center mentioned that Nick had been a member of their professional avalanche community for many years. (Image source: Pexels)
NORTH POWDER, ORE. - A routine backcountry skiing excursion turned tragic last week as Nick Burks, a seasoned avalanche forecaster, lost his life in a snow slide triggered by his descent down Gunsight Mountain, near Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort in eastern Oregon.
Burks, 37, and his companion, equipped with avalanche airbags and beacons, embarked on what seemed to be an ordinary outing. However, fate had a different plan. As his friend descended first, he witnessed the chilling sight of an avalanche engulfing Burks, rendering him helpless against nature's wrath.
The swift response of bystanders at the ski lodge, who immediately alerted authorities upon witnessing the avalanche, set off a frantic race against time. Despite the valiant efforts of deputies, firefighters, and search and rescue teams, Burks couldn't be revived. His companion, fortunately, emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
Nick Burks wasn't just another victim of the unforgiving mountains; he was an integral part of the professional avalanche community, with years of experience under his belt. Formerly associated with the Wallowa Avalanche Center and Mt. Hood Meadows Ski and Summer Resort, Burks dedicated his life to evaluating mountain snow conditions, striving to ensure the safety of all who ventured into the backcountry.
However, the increasing complexities of his job, exacerbated by climate change-induced extreme weather patterns and the surge in backcountry enthusiasts since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlight the precarious nature of his profession.
As the Northwest Avalanche Center mourns the loss of one of its own, the Wallowa Avalanche Center pledges a thorough investigation into the incident, promising a comprehensive report to shed light on the circumstances surrounding Burks' untimely demise.
With eleven avalanche-related fatalities recorded in the U.S. this year alone, this tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with venturing into the uncharted territories of the backcountry.
