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Avalanche kills skier in Okanogan County

Officials said four skiers were caught in the avalanche. The other three skiers located the male victim with his beacon but were unable to bring him down the mountain.
Credit: Javier, Liza
Photo: Northwest Avalanche Center

OKANOGAN COUNTY, WASH. – An avalanche killed one person in Okanogan County near Winthrop on Saturday.

Officials said four skiers were caught in the avalanche. Three skiers located the male victim with his beacon but were unable to bring him down the mountain.

In a call to officers, the skiers said they were at 6,200 feet on the south face just below Sun Mountain in Washington.

Rescue workers attempted to reach the area yesterday but were unable to retrieve the victim due to dangerous conditions and extreme avalanche danger.

Officials said rescue workers will attempt to recover the victim today using a helicopter if weather permits. No one will travel on foot due to dangerous conditions.

Officials said Coroner Dave Rodriguez is on the scene and will release more information, including the victim’s name, when the recovery is complete.

There have been five avalanche-related deaths in Washington this month.

Related: Community honors Bonney Lake officer killed in avalanche

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