Colorado Avalanche Kills 44-Year-Old Snowboarder

By BERT HOOVER First Posted: Dec 28, 2022 10:55 PM EST

Authorities have confirmed the death of a 44-year-old man buried in a Colorado avalanche.

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), confirmed that two from a group of four snowboarders were buried at the avalanche Winter Park on Monday afternoon.

One of the buried snowboarders was rescued by onlookers and family members, but the other died at the scene, according to the Grand County Sheriff's Office.

According to Ethan Greene, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the area is a popular backcountry riding and recreation area.

He also stated that when someone is buried in the snow, the people closest to them must conduct the rescue as there is not much time for them to sit about and wait for reinforcements to arrive.

Therefore, everyone in the group must carry rescue gear, including an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a pro pole.

"These folks actually had all that equipment. And they did a really great rescue. But unfortunately, one person still didn't survive," Green said.

ABC News noted that the victim's name had not been made public.

Avalanche forecasting, training, and having the right rescue gear on hand are the most critical things that people can do, according to Greene.

He also said that exposing only one person at a time is essential to navigating avalanche terrain.

"So as you're planning your route, make sure that you're spreading out and making sure that only one person is in a place where they could get caught in an avalanche at one time," he added.

A Snowboarder Triggered the Avalanche, Says Colorado Avalanche Information Center

The avalanche occurred at roughly 12:50 p.m. on the western end of the pass near the town of Winter Park.

The CAIC had determined that the occurrence happened when a snowboarder produced an avalanche on a ridge where another snowboarder had triggered an avalanche at roughly the same time.

According to the investigation, four people were captured in the avalanche, splitting into two groups buried by the fall.

Fox 31 reported that relatives and bystanders saved one, but the other, the victim, could not be revived despite life-saving measures being administered.

Colorado Avalanche Information Center Warns Everyone About High Avalanche Danger

CAIC warned that the perilous conditions would last through Tuesday and beyond since they were widespread across the Northern and Central Mountains.

After an unprecedented cold spell leading up to the holidays, the mercury is finally beginning to rise, and the CAIC predicts a significant storm will continue through at least Wednesday.

Avalanche hazard will rise to a high level 4 in the western Central Mountains from Tuesday to Wednesday.

According to the center, new, heavy snowfall could push the snowpack over the edge, triggering widespread natural avalanches.

It is predicted that another significant snowfall will occur this coming weekend because of this storm.

Though the arrival of snow is exciting, CAIC has warned that dangerous avalanche conditions are imminent.

CAIC warned skiers and snowboarders to avoid the region because of the prolonged duration of risky avalanche conditions.

It has been reported that there have been at least two further near-misses since December 23, when avalanches were produced near Marble and on Berthoud Pass, almost burying humans in both cases, said 9 News.

According to Colorado Avalanche Information Center, when there is a chance of avalanches being triggered from a distance, it is crucial to keep an eye on the sky for your own group's safety as well as the safety of those around you.

The center also advised making new friends at the trailhead, comparing notes on the weather and trail conditions, and plotting a course for a fun and safe outing in the snowy mountains.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Bert Hoover

WATCH: 1 dead in Berthoud Pass avalanche - From CBS Colorado