Avalanche — Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Washington

2016-01-24 · Cascades of Whatcom and Skagit Counties, Washington

Event narrative

Mark Panthen, 36, of Bellingham, died Sunday afternoon after two avalanches on the north slope of the mountain, next to the Mount Baker Ski Resort.

A man who was skiing with Panthen called an employee of the resort from a cellphone around 12:45 p.m., saying Panthen was injured and needed help.

There were two avalanches within 15 minutes. The avalanches were at 4,200 feet.

Using a helicopter, emergency responders confirmed Panthen died around 2:20 p.m., authorities said. They provided aid to the other skier, who suffered a head injury.

Wider weather episode

Mark Panthen, 36, of Bellingham, died Sunday afternoon after two avalanches on the north slope of the mountain, next to the Mount Baker Ski Resort.

A man who was skiing with Panthen called an employee of the resort from a cellphone around 12:45 p.m., saying Panthen was injured and needed help.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 608906. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.