Man Dies in Avalanche Snowmobiling Near Darland Mountain

 The Yakima County Sheriff's Office Search and Rescue Team has recovered the body of a snowmobiler who died in avalanche last Friday north of Darland Mountain. The victim has been identified as 59-year-old Micheal Wayne Chandler of Moxee.

AUTHORITIES RECEIVED A CALL LAST FRIDAY MORNING

Sheriff's officials say they received a call on March 1st at about 11:00 am from a man who was snowmobiling with his friend in the “Mini Bowl” or "Hidden Bowl" area north of Darland Mountain. He told authorities his friend was buried by an avalanche at the base of the mountain.

FAMILY MEMBERS MOVED THE BODY OUT OF THE AVALANCHE ZONE

As authorities were responding they learned Chandler's friend and son were able to dig his body out of the snow, and they moved safely out of the avalanche zone.
According to a news release weather conditions were too rough to recover the body with a helicopter so they were able to get help from the operator of a "snow grooming machine" and the operator started making his way up to the site at 3 am Saturday March 2 to make a "safe and efficient path for rescuers."

A SAD SITUATION FOR RESCUERS AND FAMILY MEMBERS

The team was able to get to the avalanche location with the help of the Chandler's family and recover the body.
The press release from the sheriff's office says it was a "sad situation" for everyone involved, and they're thankful for all the assistance the team received from the family, Fish and Wildlife, the Forest Service, and the snow machine operator.

AUTHORITIES REMINDING SNOWMOBILERS TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS

The press release reminds all snowmobilers and snow enthusiasts: you can search for avalanche forecasts at the NWAC.us website before going out into the wilderness.

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