BEND, OR -- A backcountry skier died in a Thursday avalanche at Black Crater, a steep-sided shield volcano in the Cascade Range, north of the Three Sisters and east of McKenzie Pass.

A man called 911 and reported he and his friend were skiing in the caldera at Black Crater when an avalanche was triggered. He said his friend was caught up in the avalanche and was no longer visible. 

Both skiers were equipped with backcountry safety items, including avalanche beacons, shovels, helmets and avalanche probes. The man used his avalanche beacon, and found his friend. Life saving measure were conducted. However, the 46-year-old Bend man had succumbed to his injuries.

A SAR unit, along with the United States Forest Service, responded to the area and assisted the surviving skier to safety. Due to extreme avalanche danger and failing light Search and Rescue personnel halted recovery efforts until daylight.

As of Friday, SAR personnel are working with community partners to safely recover the victim.