JACKSON HOLE, Wyo., Dec. 28 (UPI) -- A Wyoming skier this weekend became at least the sixth person to die in an avalanche in North America this winter, authorities said.
David Nodine, 31, of Wilson was killed Saturday at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort. Nodine was skiing with a friend in an approved area when the snow slide buried him in about 8 feet of snow, the Jackson Hole Daily reported Sunday.
The Bridger-Teton National Forest Avalanche Center said Nodine was pulled from the snow within 10 minutes by rescuers. About 35 people had converged on the scene to look for him.
Anna Olson, the resort's brand director, told the newspaper ski patrol members had taken normal precautions to reduce avalanche hazard in the area before opening it to the public.
"There isn't an answer as to why that happened there at that time," she said Saturday. "The snowpack appears to be doing this in pockets. Patrol will continue to take precautions."
Resort President Jerry Blann issued a statement, saying he was saddened by the accident and offered his "thoughts and prayers to the victim's family and friends." Blann noted the Tetons have received more than 5 feet of snow since Dec. 21.
