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The United States is in the grip of some of the worst snowstorms in recorded history, and although the fresh powder might be a snowboarders dream, it turned into a nightmare for Oregon boarders as they watched an avalanche carry one of their mates over a cliff, and to his death.

Police were called to the  Newberry National Volcanic Monument after a group of snowboarders got stuck in an avalanche. The active volcano, sometimes called Newberry Crater, has a caldera that stretches 24 square kilometres and is a popular destination for snowboarders in the winter.

Erik Maxim Hefflefinger, a 33-year-old, was descending the peak when an avalanche overtook him and pushed him away from his friends. They were then horrified and helpless as the wave of snow carried him over one of the cliffs on the caldera. By the time they could reach the man, he was already dead. Police believe that he was struck by debris as he fell, which caused his death.

Skiers, snowmobilers, and hikers often get caught in avalanches as the top layer of snow begins to slide along the lower levels, causing a river of snow and ice to travel down slopes at between 60 and 100 km/h.

“Emergency services are usually too far away from the scene of an avalanche, and time is important. A person trapped under the snow may not have more than 20 or 30 minutes. So, in a backcountry scenario, you are your own rescue party.”

At least 17 people have been killed in avalanches in the US this year, and with record-breaking snowfalls for the last few months, people are being urged to avoid known hotspots. Despite the beauty of snowy peaks, avalanches are terrifying, as can be seen in this scary video taken by a hiker in Kyrgyzstan:

It just doesn’t seem to slow down.

[source:tnt&guardian]