Last weekend, two snowboarders died in the same area of Mt. Hood Meadows. On Sunday, a 45-year-old fell and died while snowboarding in Heather Canyon and on Monday evening, the body of a 47-year-old man was discovered in the same area. The 47-year-old had been expected to return home from his snowboarding trip at the end of the weekend, and when he did not, his family reported him missing.
Although little details have been released by the sheriff’s office since the accidents occurred, both men were described as experienced and avid snowboarders by family and friends.
Meteorologists stated that they did not believe weekend weather, which included a couple of inches of snowfall on both Friday and Saturday, was a contributing factor. However, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service, Sean Weagle, did concede that there was “some cloud cover that could have affected visibility.”
Are Accidental Snowboarding Deaths Common on Mt. Hood?
It is unusual to have multiple deaths in one area over any short period of time, let alone just two days. The Oregonian/Oregon Live has a list of every recorded death on Mt Hood since 1883. Since 2000, there have been a total of 49 fatalities, 18 of which were due to a skiing or snowboarding incident, which means there is an average of less than one death each year. Most deaths in that location were the result of climbing accidents.
What Skiers and Snowboarders Should Know
Mt Hood is classified as a double black diamond area, and therefore rated as “extremely difficult” terrain. Provided trail maps of the area warn would-be skiers and snowboarders that there is always a danger of an avalanche and there is also no regular safety patrol in the area. Additionally, there are advisories about other unmarked obstacles, as well as creek holes and waterfalls.
When to Contact an Attorney
If you have been injured in a skiing or snowboarding accident, our Portland ski accident lawyers are prepared to help. We offer a free, no-obligation legal consultation to discuss the nature of your accident and whether you may have legal options to help you recover compensation for your damages.
We accept personal injury cases on contingency and charge no upfront fees to represent you. We do not get paid unless we first obtain compensation for you.
