BEND, Ore. — Authorities have reported that an avalanche in the Cascade Mountains of Oregon has claimed the lives of two backcountry skiers. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the search-and-rescue team located the bodies of the deceased west of Bend in an area known as Happy Valley, which is situated near the Broken Top peak.

According to a statement from the Central Oregon Avalanche Center posted on social media, the tragic incident occurred on Monday at an elevation of 6,700 feet (approximately 2,042 meters) on a slope that faces south. The post expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the couple, honoring their passion for skiing and acknowledging the positive impact they had as longtime members of the Central Oregon community.

The identities of the skiers have not been disclosed as authorities continue to handle the situation delicately. Earlier on the same day, the sheriff’s office received multiple reports regarding individuals potentially trapped in an avalanche in the vicinity.

Current assessments indicate that the avalanche risk level in the Central Cascades is rated as “considerable,” which corresponds to a level 3 on a scale ranging from 0 to 5. The Avalanche Center’s forecasts emphasize the need for caution among outdoor enthusiasts in the region.