MAZAMA – A snowmobiler riding northwest of Mazama was buried under an avalanche and died Sunday, Dec. 28, according to the Okanogan County Sheriff’s office.

Jushua S. Peters, 24, Colville, was riding with friends in the area of Brown Bear Basin near Harts Pass when he was caught in the avalanche and buried by the snow.

“His fellow snowmobilers were able to locate Peters and dig him out after about 15 minutes,” said Sheriff Frank Rogers. “Peters was not breathing at the time and CPR was started but Peters was never revived and was pronounced deceased.”

At about 4 p.m. Okanogan County Deputy Michael Blake as well as 16 volunteers from Aero Methow Rescue and Okanogan County Search and Rescue responded to the scene to assist.

“All four riders were very experienced riders, had avalanche beacons and avalanche probes with them,” Rogers said.