A Deadly Time With Avalanches Thoughout the West

Man killed in avalanche near Mount Baker ski area identified

MOUNT BAKER, Wash. (AP) — Authorities have identified the skier killed in in an avalanche near the Mount Baker Ski Area. The Bellingham Herald reports he was identified as 36-year-old Mark Panthen of Bellingham. Authorities say Panthen and a friend had been skiing in backcountry area Sunday at about 4,200 feet on the north-facing flank of Mount Herman. Benj Wadsworth of the Northwest Avalanche Center says it appears the two men got buried in a small slide when a larger slide was triggered. Whatcom County Sheriff's Chief Criminal Deputy Doug Chadwick says search and rescue crews recovered Panthen's body Monday afternoon.

Avalanche educators target safety message at younger crowds

MOUNT BAKER, Wash. (AP) — As more young adults head out of bounds to ski, snowboard or hike in the winter, experts are targeting their message about avalanche safety to an even younger audience. They're trying to reach kids early — sometimes even in elementary school — to build their knowledge about avalanches. The Northwest Avalanche Center, based in Seattle, organizes about 200 free or low-cost basic avalanche awareness classes each winter. About one-third are now geared toward teens or young adults. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says this month been the deadliest January in nearly 20 years. Three people were killed on Sunday in Washington and Wyoming.