Silver Mountain in Kellogg, Idaho reports an avalanche was triggered by a group of four snowboarders who ducked a rope and hiked into a permanently closed area of the mountain on Saturday, December 28th. Three of the riders were caught and carried in the slide, no one was buried or injured:
“Please respect all rope closures and boundaries while at Silver Mountain Resort as they are there for your safety. On December 28th around 1:30 PM, four snowboarders hiked up to a permanently-closed area and knowingly ducked a rope closure line. The third rider triggered a small avalanche and was caught and carried along with the first two riders.
Fortunately no one was buried or injured during this event. However, it is a powerful reminder that slope and weather conditions in the mountains are continuously changing. Our professional ski patrollers designate what is closed or open after careful consideration of current conditions and mitigation work. Please keep out of closed areas.”
An avalanche was also triggered in a closed area at Steamboat Ski Resort over the weekend (skier survived and self reported the incident) highlighting the importance of respecting resort boundaries and closures. Read Silver Mountain’s resort boundary policy below.
Silver Mountain Resort Boundary Policy:
Silver Mountain Resort has a clearly marked resort boundary. Skiers who choose to leave the resort and ski beyond the boundary do so at their own risk. This includes popular areas such as South of the Border and Goaties. There are no resort services outside the resort boundary. The backcountry surrounding Silver Mountain may contain uncontrolled avalanche terrain and unmarked hazards and obstacles.
Rescue from the backcountry surrounding Silver Mountain Resort is the responsibility of the Shoshone County Sherriff. Rescue, if available, will be slow and difficult. Costs associated with backcountry rescues are the responsibility of the individuals being rescued.
Those who choose to ski in the backcountry should ski with a partner; have the skills and knowledge to do so safely; carry and know how to use avalanche transceivers, shovel, and probe; know their route and have a means of uphill travel.
