Couple dies in tragic Oregon avalanche while skiing

A tragic incident occurred in Oregon's Cascade Mountains, where an avalanche claimed the lives of a couple skiing in the area known as Happy Valley. On Monday afternoon, February 17, 2025, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, and Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, were skiing at an elevation of 6,700 feet on a south-facing slope when the avalanche struck. Local authorities were notified later that evening after friends reported the couple missing when they failed to return from their outdoor adventure. After searching the area, friends discovered both skiers buried beneath the snow, prompting a response from the Deschutes County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office dispatched search-and-rescue teams to the scene late Monday night. Unfortunately, responders found the couple already deceased, buried under the snow. The avalanche likely occurred several hours before they were discovered, indicating how quickly these situations can turn fatal in the backcountry. Authorities have indicated that the couple was experienced in winter sports and had a history in the local skiing community, highlighting the potential dangers even in familiar terrain. While the exact trigger for the avalanche is still under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that the Skjersaas may have inadvertently initiated the slide themselves, as their skiing activity coincided with the avalanche’s occurrence. This incident occurred in an area where avalanche danger was notably high, rated as “considerable” by the Central Oregon Avalanche Center at that time. Authorities warn outdoor enthusiasts to practice extreme caution while engaging in recreative activities in avalanche-prone regions, especially during periods of significant snowfall. The loss of the Skjersaas has been felt deeply in the community, as they were well-known figures in Central Oregon's skiing culture. They had been involved in local ski advocacy, including founding the Skyliners Ski Club and opening Bend's first ski shop. Their legacy and contributions to the community are remembered fondly by their friends and family. The sheriff’s office has extended condolences to the families and friends of the victims as the community processes this unfortunate event, which underscores the inherent risks of outdoor winter sports and the powerful forces of nature at play in the backcountry.