Described as experienced snowmobilers, the group had been prepared for a day of backcountry exploration and were well-equipped, even having avalanche beacons/transceivers. Additionally, one member of the group was certified in CPR, the sheriff's office stated.

A 42-year-old snowmobiler died in an avalanche on California's Castle Peak, despite rescue attempts by his group and Good Samaritans.

Wade Wines, a resident of Holly, rescued a snowmobiler who crashed through the ice on Bush Lake while ice fishing and cleaning an ice rink for his children on Jan. 4, The snowmobile flipped through the ice, causing its rider to fall into the frigid water. Wines quickly dialed 911 and helped rescue the injured snowmobiler.