ELKO — On Dec. 28, 2024 at approximately 11:45 a.m., Devon Barton, 30 years of age from Battle Mountain, was riding a “Timbersled” with his family. Barton was riding near the Dollar Lakes in Lamoille Canyon and was trapped under the snow when he was caught in an avalanche.
It was reported that riders in the area heard the loud noise that was consistent with the start of an avalanche. They saw a large slab of snow begin to slide down the mountain.
Minutes later they realized that Barton was missing. They immediately began to use their avalanche locator beacons to find Barton. It was estimated that he was buried under approximately two feet of snow for approximately 10 minutes or more.
He was located by his family using the locator beacon and they were able to uncover him and begin CPR. The family used a GPS satellite device to notify emergency responders about the incident.
The Elko County Sheriff’s Office and Search and Rescue personnel responded to assist. The weather conditions limited the response, including being able to get a helicopter to the location. Family members were able to get Barton to the road at the top of the canyon where they met with Sheriff’s Deputies and Search and Rescue.
Life saving measures were continued until Barton was relayed to the hospital.
Barton’s family and friends worked tirelessly to save his life and conduct the rescue, with the assistance of deputies and members of the Search and Rescue. Unfortunately, they were unsuccessful in their efforts. Barton was pronounced dead at the hospital.