Two dead in Oregon avalanche

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - An avalanche in the mountains of eastern Oregon killed two backcountry skiers and seriously injured two others Tuesday, and another skier was found dead in Colorado a day after he was swept up in a large slide, officials said.

At least 12 people have died in avalanches nationally this season, including six since Sunday. The danger of more slides remained high after prolonged snowfall measured in feet that has lured skiers and snowboarders to the mountains.

The Oregon avalanche hit at about noon as a group of eight was skiing in the remote Wallowa Mountains near Cornucopia, Baker County Sheriff Mitch Southwick said in a written statement.

Most of the skiers are from the Seattle area. Officials didn't immediately release their names.

A helicopter was dispatched to rescue the survivors but couldn't get closer than 1.5 miles from the skiers. The Idaho Army National Guard also sent a reconnaissance helicopter.