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Famous skier Katherine ‘Kasha’ Rigby dies in avalanche

World-famous American skier Katherine ‘Kasha’ Rigby has died after suffering devastating internal injuries in an avalanche in Kosovo. The 54-year-old’s death has been confirmed by a police spokesperson in the region on Radio Free Europe. The Kosovo Mountain Search and Rescue Service said the area was dangerous and avalanche prone. They said they had received a call for help in the Eagle’s Nest area on Tuesday afternoon. They said rescue teams had tried to keep the victim at the scene alive, but failed. “After the evacuation of the body by the medical teams, the death of the skier, a foreign citizen, was verified,” they said. Rigby reportedly suffered “extreme trauma” to her chest and lungs, and severe internal bleeding. Although the avalanche was said to be small — measuring approximately 25 by 10m — it caused a “high-force” collision with trees on a 35-degree slope.
Source ... (7news.com.au)

Slow season for avalanche control program in Rogers Pass

Thousands of people travel through the Rogers Pass in Glacier National Park Canada every day and are likely unaware of the dangers around them. That's because they're driving through the most active avalanche travel corridor in North America. Rogers Pass is between Revelstoke and Golden, B.C., where the Trans-Canada Highway and the Canadian Pacific Railway snake through the Selkirk Mountains.

Operation Palaci sees troops of artillery gunners from the regular forces and reserves stationed in the Rogers Pass from November to April. In a slow season, the gunners fire between 300 and 500 shells to cause avalanches and that number climbs to 1,000 rounds in a busy season. A lack of snowfall is making for a slower season in 2024. The El Niño winter has resulted in less snow and as a result fewer slides in Rogers Pass between November and the start of February. They have had 50 per cent less snow than average and are about 20 centimetres below the record snowfall ever at Mount Fidelity at Rogers Pass. On average they do 12 average control missions per winter and this year they've only done three so far so.
More ... (ctv news)

Avalanche at Fernie Alpine Resort leaves no casualties, injuries

An avalanche at Fernie Alpine Resort on Feb. 14 has left no casualties or injuries. Recreationalists are safe following a skier-triggered avalanche that occurred mid-morning on Polar Peak. The resort communications team has confirmed that ski patrol did complete snow safety work prior to Polar Peak opening that day, including a snow profile review and explosive and ski cutting measures. Elk Valley RCMP and Fernie Search and Rescue both said they had not been called to the scene. Polar Peak will remain closed for the time being for a full slope evaluation and incident review.
Source ... (Denver Gazette)

Kyrgyzstan Military Blasts Mountains for Avalanche Safety

The country’s hydro-meteorological center announced a storm warning, with worsening weather conditions in the mountains and the risk of avalanches. To ensure the safety of citizens, the military, together with rescuers and public utilities, are working to clear snow. Kyrgyzstan’s main cities, Bishkek and Osh are connected by a single 620-kilometer highway that passes through picturesque but dangerous mountain passes. It’s here in the Too Ashuu and Ala Bel passes that many accidents occur.

Therefore, the military have been deployed. “Today the task force of the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Kyrgyz Republic and artillery of the Ministry of Defense of the Kyrgyz Republic fired on the 247th, 255th and 250th kilometers of the Bishkek-Osh highway. As a result, 23,230 cubic meters of snow were dislodged,” the Kyrgyz Emergencies Ministry said. According to rescuers, the shelling was delivered by a Soviet-made KC-19 anti-aircraft gun with live fragmentation projectiles. The gun’s range is up to 15 kilometers.
Source ... (The Times of Central Asia)

Greek Tourists Triggered an Avalanche Leaving One Dead

In a harrowing turn of events, a group of Greek tourists sparked a fatal avalanche in Borovets, Bulgaria, while venturing off-track for a photo opportunity. The Mountain Rescue Service (MRS) revealed that the incident, which occurred in an area known for avalanche risks, resulted in the loss of one life and left others in peril.

Tragically, the search for the missing skier ended in grim discovery as their body was recovered. Eyewitnesses recounted the ill-fated decision of the group to descend down the steep slope, a move that proved fatal in the absence of proper avalanche safety measures. Compounding the tragedy was the absence of an avalanche device on the deceased skier. Witnesses described a chaotic scene as the avalanche swept down the slope, narrowly sparing two individuals who managed to escape its grasp.
Source ... (Novinite.com)

Utah Avalanche Center Seeks Executive Director

The Utah Avalanche Center is now searching for a new Executive Director, with the job currently open and seeking applications between now and March 8. "This pivotal role not only steers the UAC’s strategic direction but also nurtures a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in avalanche forecasting, awareness, and education. By joining us, you will lead a passionate team dedicated to making a significant impact on the safety of backcountry enthusiasts across Utah."