Authorities have identified a 42-year-old Oregon man who died after being buried in an avalanche while snowmobiling in the Sierra Nevada backcountry near Truckee, California, officials confirmed Tuesday evening.
The victim was identified as Chris Scott Thomason of Bend, Oregon, according to an updated statement from the sheriff’s office. Thomason was part of a group of five experienced snowmobilers who had set out earlier in the day from the Johnson Canyon area and traveled toward Castle Peak. Authorities said the group was well-equipped for backcountry travel, wearing avalanche beacons and other protective gear.
Two members of the group were local to the area and familiar with the terrain, while the remaining three, including Thomason, were visiting from Oregon. Officials noted that at least two individuals in the group were CPR-certified.
The incident occurred as the group was returning from Castle Peak when an avalanche was triggered on the backside of the mountain. Thomason was buried by the slide, prompting immediate action by his companions. Using avalanche transceivers, the group quickly located him beneath the snow and began digging him out before initiating CPR.
While life-saving efforts were underway, a separate group of three snowmobilers encountered the scene. One of them was an off-duty Truckee Fire Department medic, who took over emergency care and assisted with advanced CPR.
Despite rapid response and sustained medical efforts, Thomason was pronounced dead at the scene.
The initial emergency call was received shortly after 2:19 p.m. on Jan. 5, when Nevada County Regional Dispatch was alerted by Washoe County’s 911 center. The sheriff’s office deployed search and rescue teams alongside Truckee Fire, North Truckee Fire, and Tahoe Nordic Search and Rescue. Multiple SnoCats, snowmobile teams, and ski teams were sent to the area. Air support was requested but unavailable due to conditions.
Officials said rescue operations continued into the night as crews worked to safely recover the victim while monitoring the potential for additional avalanche activity.
In a statement, the Nevada County Sheriff’s Office expressed condolences to Thomason’s family and thanked the first responders and civilians who assisted during the emergency.
“The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the nearly 50 individuals who helped aid this rescue mission, and the four friends and three Good Samaritans who worked together against all odds,” the agency said.