Snowshoe hiker dies in small avalanche near Wenatchee, WA

TRADITIONAL MOUNTAINEERING ™
www.TraditionalMountaineering.org ™ and also www.AlpineMountaineering.org ™

TraditionalMountaineering Logo - representing the shared
companionship of the Climb ™

Search this site!
Read more:

Snowshoe hiker dies in small avalanche near Wenatchee, WA

SNOWSHOER'S BODY FOUND IN SNOW SLIDE
The Associated Press

WENATCHEE, Wash. - The body of a man killed in an avalanche was found Wednesday, buried in about four feet of snow, in the backcountry of the Wenatchee National Forest, Chelan County Sheriff Mike Brickert said.

Derek "Jay" Bowen, 33, of East Wenatchee and a friend were snowshoeing Monday afternoon near Twin Lakes when the slide covered them and three dogs.

Seneca Mott, 29, of Cashmere told sheriff's deputies the avalanche carried her down the mountainside about 100 feet, but she knew what was happening and was only partially covered in snow.

She was shaken up but not injured. She used a ski pole to probe the snow for Bowen but could not find him. One of his dogs also was missing.

Mott estimated the size of the avalanche at 20 feet by 200 feet. Strong winds were picking up and she feared they would bring down more avalanches, so she left to get help.

On Wednesday, 15 searchers and a search dog looked for Bowen near the spot where Mott's ski pole was found Tuesday. Crews used 10-foot-long poles to probe the snow.

The body was located after about four hours of searching Wednesday and turned over to the Chelan County coroner's office.

The missing dog was not found, Brickert said.

Mott and Bowen, a paramedic, had worked together for a Wenatchee ambulance service. Last year, he took a job at Samaritan Hospital in Moses Lake, about 50 miles away.

The two remained friends and enjoyed outdoor recreation. On Monday, they traveled up White River Road to snowshoe to Twin Lakes.

They reached the lakes about 3 p.m. and were on their way back to the trailhead when they were hit by the slide.

ALPINE CLIMBING ON SNOW AND ICE
Winter mountaineering hazards - streams and lakes
Is long distance backpacking part of "traditional mountaineering"?
How long is the traditional alpine mountaineering ice axe?
What about climbing Mt. Hood?
What is a good personal description of the south side route on Mount Hood?
What should I know about travel over hard snow and ice?
How can I learn to self belay and ice axe arrest? 6 pdf pages
What should I know about snow caves?
What should I know about climbing Aconcagua?

AVALANCHE AVOIDANCE
Young Bend man dies in back county avalanche
What is an avalanche cord?
Avalanche training courses - understanding avalanche risk
How is avalanche risk described and rated by the professionals? pdf table
How can I avoid dying in an avalanche?
Known avalanche slopes near Bend, OR?
What is a PLB?
Can I avoid avalanche risk with good gear and seminars? pdf file

AVALANCHES
Snowshoe hiker dies in small avalanche near Wenatchee, WA
Climbers swept by avalanche while descending North Sister's Thayer Glacier Snowfield
Three personal experiences with avalanches
Mount Hood avalanche proves fatal for members of climbing group
Climbers swept by avalanche while descending North Sister's Thayer Glacier Snowfield
Snowshoer dies in backcountry avalanche in Washington State
Young Bend man dies in remote backcountry avalanche
Recent deaths cause concern over avalanche beacons
Skilled member of The Mountaineers killed in avalanche
Basic Responsibilities of the cross country skier
Avalanche avoidance a practical approach to avalanche safety
Tumalo Mountain a wintertime treat
Fatal Mount Hood avalanche described by Climbing Ranger

SNOWSHOES AND CRAMPONS
Why do you like GAB crampons for traditional mountaineering?
What should I know about the new snowshoe trails
What are technical snowshoes?
Which crampons are the best?
What about Boots and Shoes?

YOUR ESSENTIAL SUMMIT PACK
What are the new Ten Essential Systems?
What does experience tell us about Light and Fast climbing?
What is the best traditional alpine mountaineering summit pack?
What is Light and Fast alpine climbing?
What do you carry in your day pack?    Photos?
What do you carry in your winter day pack?     Photos?
What should I know about "space blankets"?
Where can I get a personal and a group first aid kit?    Photos?