PENDLETON, Ore. (AP) — The director of an avalanche center in Oregon who taught winter survival and avalanche awareness courses has died in an avalanche.

The EO Media Group reports that Wallowa Avalanche Center Director Kip Rand was killed Tuesday in a steep fall and avalanche. Rand was skiing near Chief Joseph Mountain in the Eagle Cap Wilderness.

Wallowa County Sheriff Steve Rogers says it appears Rand was caught at the top of an avalanche and carried 600 feet down a nearly vertical slope.

Rand’s skiing partner told authorities that Rand initially survived the slide but was dead by the time help arrived.

The Wallow Avalanche Center says Rand grew up in Boise, Idaho, and was an experienced guide and avalanche educator.