Gunsight Mountain Avalanche Claims Life of Backcountry Skier from Wallowa
By Shannon Weidemann (McKone) on Friday, March 8th, 2024 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
BAKER COUNTY — (Release from the Baker County Sheriff’s Office) On March 6, 2024 at approximately 4:38 p.m., Baker County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a report of an avalanche near Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort. The initial information indicated that two skiers were buried.
Baker County Sheriff’s Deputies, Baker County Search and Rescue, Union County Search and Rescue, La Grande Fire Department, North Powder Rural Fire Protection District and Life Flight responded to the scene. When responders arrived, bystanders were performing CPR on Nicholas Scott Burks (37 yoa) of Wallowa, Oregon. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and Burks succumbed to his injuries. The other skier involved, identified as William Sterling Sloop (37 yoa) of Joseph, Oregon, was uninjured.
During the investigation, it was determined that Sloop and Burks were skiing the chute on Gunsight Mountain. Both were experienced backcountry skiers and were equipped with avalanche air bags and beacons. Sloop was the first to arrive at the bottom and watched Burks begin to make his way down. An avalanche was triggered and overtook Burks. Sloop immediately turned on his transceiver and was able to locate Burks near a tree.
A group of individuals at the lodge saw the avalanche occur and immediately notified first responders. The group made their way to the avalanche location and assisted with lifesaving efforts. We are grateful to those bystanders who immediately took action and performed CPR.
Baker County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Union County Search and Rescue, La Grande Fire Department, North Powder Rural Fire Protection District, Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort, Life Flight and Baker County Search and Rescue.
