Avalanche
On Thursday, March 13, an avalanche on Mount Bailey near Diamond Lake, Oregon, killed Bend resident Brian Thomas Roberts, 50. Roberts was part of a cat skiing group out of Diamond Lake Resort when the avalanche occurred around 3:45 p.m. on the north/northwest side of the mountain. Despite efforts by other skiers and two nurses on the scene, Roberts succumbed to his injuries.
The group, the fourth to ski the area that day, “encountered unforeseen challenges despite prior avalanche test digs,” according to a Sheriff’s Office statement. After the incident, the skiers went two miles to the nearest snowmobile trail, meeting responders and resort staff. Another member of the group sustained a laceration or puncture wound, believed to have been caused by a branch or ski pole, but declined ambulance transport.
“On Thursday, March 13, 2025, a group of skiers experienced an avalanche incident while skiing on the north/northwest side of Mt. Bailey within the motorized closure area. The group, the fourth of the day to enjoy cat skiing at Mt. Bailey, a service through Diamond Lake Resort, encountered unforeseen challenges despite prior avalanche test digs earlier in the day.
The avalanche occurred at approximately 3:45 PM, trapping one member of the party, identified as 50-year-old Brian Thomas Roberts of Bend, Oregon, under the snow. Despite efforts by fellow party members who swiftly dug him out, and attempted lifesaving efforts by two nurses on the scene, Roberts succumbed to his injuries in the remote location.
The group of skiers managed to navigate approximately two miles to the nearest snowmobile trail, where they were met by responders and Diamond Lake Resort staff. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) assessed others with the ski party who were injured at Three Lakes Snow Park. One additional member of the group sustained a laceration or puncture injury during the avalanche, believed to be caused by a branch or ski pole, but declined ambulance transport.
Responding to the incident were Diamond Lake Resort employees, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue, US Forest Service Law Enforcement Officers, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance. The Sheriff’s Office also received support from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management Search and Rescue Coordinator.”
– Douglas County Sheriff’s Office statement
Emergency personnel from Diamond Lake Resort, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Search and Rescue teams, U.S. Forest Service law enforcement, and Umpqua Valley Ambulance responded. This marks the second fatal avalanche in Oregon within a month, following the deaths of Terry and Renee Skersaa in February.
Roberts was an experienced skier with over 40 years of experience, a beloved Mt. Bachelor Sports Education Federation instructor, and a champion ski racer. He leaves behind an 11-year-old daughter and his wife, Heather, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A GoFundMe has been set-up to support the family.
“Brian’s family has suffered an unimaginable loss. Brian was an expert skier of 40+ years, a beloved MBSEF instructor, a champion ski racer and world cup contender. His love for the Central Oregon Cascades was unmatched, and he had unwavering passion for teaching young kids the love of the mountains and outdoors. But his most special child was his own – Brian leaves behind his treasured 11-year old daughter and his beautiful wife of 13 years. His role as “dad” was his greatest calling. As you release his name to the world tonight, you need to know he was so much more than a name, He was the kindest soul – adventurous, loving and bigger than life. He was an amazing father and husband, a steward of the mountains and the most loyal of friends. He will be deeply and painfully missed. We ask that you keep his wife Heather in your loving thoughts tonight as she was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and now has to fight that journey on her own. We are overcome with grief in the unfairness of it all and hope Brian’s memory is held tightly in the hearts of those who loved and adored him.”
– Family statement
The avalanche rating for the day was considerable, 3 out of 5 on the danger rating. The area had seen 13″ of fresh snow in the previous 48 hours, including 11″ the day of the slide.
“Triggering avalanches will be likely on terrain features that accumulate wind drifted snow near treeline and above treeline. Triggering avalanches in new storm snow will also possible. Avalanches have the potential to be large. Recognize where terrain traps such as rocks, trees, cliffs, and constricted features are in relation to where you are travelling; this type of terrain can greatly increase the consequence of getting caught in an avalanche. If you are unsure about the stability of the snowpack, stick to lower angle slopes less than 30 degrees steep to minimize your exposure to avalanches.”
– Avalanche forecast at the time of the fatality
Diamond Lake Resort, in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains, is a year-round destination offering a variety of outdoor activities. Originally built as a fishing lodge in the 1920s, it has evolved into a modern family resort providing lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities. The resort is known for its winter activities, including cat-skiing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling. 8,368′ Mount Bailey near Diamond Lake is popular for backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
The fatality is the third avalanche-related death in Oregon this winter and the 21st in the United States.
