The community of Bend, Oregon, is reeling from a devastating tragedy following the loss of Susan Renee Skjersaa, 52, and her husband, Terance Olaf Skjersaa, 57, who were found dead after an avalanche in the Happy Valley area on February 17, 2025. The couple, both deeply passionate about skiing and known for their adventurous spirit, embarked on what was supposed to be another exhilarating backcountry skiing trip in the Deschutes County region, only to meet with an untimely and heartbreaking fate.

Timeline of the Tragedy

On the morning of February 17, 2025, Susan and Terance, both seasoned skiers with extensive experience in backcountry skiing, set off for their planned excursion in the Happy Valley area. The couple had ventured into this region numerous times before and were well-versed in navigating the terrain. Known for their careful preparation, they carried necessary safety gear, including avalanche beacons, probes, and shovels, in case of emergencies.

However, sometime during their expedition, a powerful avalanche struck the area where they were skiing, engulfing them under a massive wave of snow and debris. According to the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, the avalanche likely occurred in the early afternoon hours, though the exact time remains uncertain due to the absence of witnesses.

Discovery and Search Efforts

As evening approached and the Skjersaas failed to return home or check in with friends, concern began to grow. When repeated attempts to reach them via cell phone proved unsuccessful, their close friends, aware of their skiing plans, took immediate action. A small search party was formed, and they ventured towards the area where Susan and Terance were believed to be skiing.

Just before midnight, after scouring the snow-covered terrain, the searchers made the harrowing discovery. The couple was found buried under a thick layer of snow, their bodies lifeless. The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office was promptly notified, and a more extensive search and recovery operation was launched.

Recovery Efforts by Authorities

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office responded to the tragic report with urgency. Given the hazardous winter conditions, a specialized Search and Rescue (SAR) team was deployed to the scene. Initially, two Search and Rescue members braved the freezing night to assess the situation and confirm the couple’s deaths. At dawn, additional SAR personnel, equipped with necessary recovery tools, arrived at the site to carefully extract the victims from the avalanche debris.

Despite the heartbreaking nature of the mission, the recovery was conducted with utmost respect and professionalism. Once their bodies were safely retrieved, they were transported to the Deschutes County Medical Examiner’s Office for official examination.

Understanding the Avalanche Risk

The Happy Valley region, a well-known backcountry skiing destination, has seen its share of avalanche activity, particularly in peak winter months. The stretch between Snowmobile Trail 8, Trail 88, and Trail 6, where the couple was found, is known to be prone to unstable snowpacks. According to experts, changes in temperature, recent snowfall, and wind patterns may have contributed to the instability that triggered the avalanche.

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, in collaboration with the Northwest Avalanche Center, has been investigating the specific factors that led to this tragic incident. Preliminary reports suggest that a weak layer of snow beneath a heavier, newly fallen layer could have collapsed, setting off the deadly slide. While Susan and Terance were both equipped with safety gear, the force and magnitude of the avalanche were likely too overwhelming for survival.

Community Reaction and Tributes

The news of Susan and Terance’s passing has sent shockwaves throughout the Bend community and beyond. The Skjersaa family has long been a pillar of the local skiing scene, with deep connections to Oregon’s outdoor sports community. Friends, fellow skiers, and loved ones have taken to social media and local gatherings to share their grief and honor the couple’s memory.

Many remember Susan as a warm and compassionate individual, always willing to lend a helping hand and share her enthusiasm for the great outdoors. Terance, known for his adventurous spirit and deep appreciation for nature, was admired for his skills on the slopes and his unwavering love for backcountry exploration. Together, they embodied a passion for outdoor adventure that inspired many in their community.

The Bend Ski Club, a group with which the couple was actively involved, held a candlelight vigil at the Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort to honor their memory. Friends and family gathered to share stories, light candles, and reflect on the impact Susan and Terance had on those around them.

Investigation and Avalanche Safety Awareness

The Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the avalanche. Authorities emphasize that while outdoor adventure is a source of joy and excitement, it also comes with inherent risks, particularly in unpredictable winter conditions.

Skiers and snowboarders are urged to check avalanche forecasts before venturing into backcountry areas and to be equipped with essential safety gear. The Northwest Avalanche Center provides up-to-date reports on snow conditions and potential avalanche risks, which could help prevent future tragedies.

Following the accident, local authorities and outdoor safety organizations have renewed efforts to educate backcountry enthusiasts on best practices for avalanche preparedness. Workshops on avalanche safety, including recognizing warning signs and proper emergency response, have been organized in the Bend area.

Final Farewell and Legacy

As the community comes to terms with this immense loss, preparations are underway for a memorial service to honor Susan and Terance’s lives. Their family has requested privacy during this difficult time but has expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support they have received from friends, neighbors, and fellow skiers.

Details regarding the service will be shared in the coming days, allowing loved ones to gather and celebrate the lives of two extraordinary individuals who left an indelible mark on their community. Their love for each other and their passion for the outdoors will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of knowing them.

Their tragic passing serves as a solemn reminder of both the beauty and the dangers of nature. While they may be gone, the legacy of Susan and Terance Skjersaa will live on through the countless memories they created, the friendships they nurtured, and the adventures they inspired in others.

In Loving Memory

Susan R. Skjersaa and Terance O. Skjersaa will be deeply missed, but their adventurous spirits and love for life will never be forgotten. May they rest in eternal peace, forever cherished in the hearts of those who loved them.