An avalanche in Nevada’s Ruby Mountains killed Devon Barton, 30, on December 28. Barton was using a Timbersled close to Greenback Lakes in Lamoille Canyon when catastrophe struck at 11:45 a.m. A Timbersled is a conversion package that transforms a dust bike right into a snow bike by changing the wheels with a ski and observe system, permitting riders to navigate snowy terrain.
Close by riders heard the avalanche’s roar and noticed a big snow slab slide down the mountain. Minutes later, they realized Barton was lacking. Relations shortly situated him utilizing avalanche beacons, discovering him buried underneath two ft of snow after about 10 minutes.
They started CPR and alerted emergency providers by way of satellite tv for pc. The Elko County Sheriff’s Workplace and Search and Rescue responded, however climate circumstances prevented helicopter entry. Relations transported Barton to the canyon prime and met rescue groups.
Regardless of efforts by household, associates, and rescue groups, Barton was pronounced lifeless on the hospital.
The avalanche score for a close-by zone was average, 2/5.
“It’s attainable to set off lingering wind slabs 6-12 inches deep on primarily Northern and Japanese features…use warning in wind loaded terrain beneath cornices and just under ridges.
Triggering a persistent slab avalanche 2-3 ft deep is feasible but very troublesome to set off, nevertheless if triggered, could propagate over a big distance. Use good journey protocols like touring one by one on all steep and Northern features.”
– Avalanche forecast for close by zone
This incident marks the season’s fourth avalanche fatality in North America.
“Deadly avalanche Lamoille Canyon 2024
Contact: Undersheriff Justin Ames FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Phone: (775) 738-3421
E mail: jkames@elkocountynv.webDate: December 31, 2024
Lamoille Canyon Avalanche
On December 28, 2024 at roughly 11:45 AM Devon Barton, 30 years of age from Battle Mountain, was using a “Timbersled” along with his household. Barton was using close to the Greenback Lakes in Lamoille Canyon and was trapped underneath the snow when he was caught in an avalanche.
It was reported that riders within the space heard the loud noise that was in step with the beginning of an avalanche. They noticed a big slab of snow start to slip down the mountain.
Minutes later they realized that Barton was lacking. They instantly started to make use of their avalanche locator beacons to seek out Barton. It was estimated that he was buried underneath roughly 2 ft of snow for roughly 10 minutes or extra.
He was situated by his household utilizing the locator beacon and so they have been capable of uncover him and start CPR. The household used a GPS satellite tv for pc system to inform emergency responders in regards to the incident.
The Elko County Sheriff’s Workplace and Search and Rescue personnel responded to help. The climate circumstances restricted the response, together with with the ability to get a helicopter to the situation. Relations have been capable of get Barton to the highway on the prime of the canyon the place they met with Sheriff’s Deputies and Search and Rescue. Life saving measures have been continued till Barton was relayed to the hospital.
Barton’s household and associates labored tirelessly to avoid wasting his life and conduct the rescue, with the help of deputies and members of the Search and Rescue.
Sadly, they have been unsuccessful of their efforts. Barton was pronounced lifeless on the hospital.”
– Official Press Launch
