Two Dead in Avalanche Near Whitefish Mountain Ski Resort

01/14/2008 - Around 12:30 PM MST on Sunday, Jan. 13, an avalanche occurred in the Canyon Creek area of the Flathead National Forest. Two deaths have been confirmed. The site is within hiking distance of the boundaries of Whitefish Mountain Resort, and is a popular area for back country skiing and snowmobiling. The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol initially responded to the slide at the request of the Flathead County Sheriff's Department. The Sheriff's Department is coordinating the ongoing search and rescue effort, which resumed operation this morning. "It's a tragedy. Like all of our employees, my heart is heavy with grief. I can't even begin to imagine the loss the families and friends of the victims must be feeling," said Dan Graves, president of Whitefish Mountain Resort. "I am grateful to all of our employees, pass holders, and community members who are helping with rescue efforts. I've never seen such an outpouring of love and concern." The Whitefish Mountain Resort Ski Patrol does not actively prevent skiers from crossing boundary ropes, however signs along the boundary advise of the potential dangers of venturing into the back country and emphasize the use of back country safety gear and training for those who choose to recreate out of bounds.