On Saturday, Feb. 22, a snowboarder lost his life in Colorado when an avalanche struck and buried him on Mines Peak, located to the east of Berthoud Pass in an area known as The Fingers or High Trail Cliffs, as reported by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The avalanche was described as a large, persistent slab avalanche, a type that forms when a weak layer remains buried beneath layers of snow.
According to CAIC, the sensitivity of the persistent weak layer can vary due to changing weather conditions such as new snowfall, wind loading, intense sunlight, and rapid shifts in air temperature. The avalanche that claimed the snowboarder’s life broke through old snow layers and wiped out the entire season’s snowpack in the region.
This tragic incident marks the third avalanche-related fatality of the 2024-2025 winter season in Colorado and the 14th avalanche-related death nationwide, as per the National Avalanche Center. In the previous winter season, there were 16 avalanche-related deaths across the United States.
In Oregon, a couple skiing together faced a similar fate last week when an avalanche engulfed them in an area west of Bend, leading to their demise, as confirmed by the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office.
Avalanches pose a significant risk in National Forests, surpassing other natural hazards in terms of fatalities, as highlighted by CAIC. Annually, approximately 25 to 30 individuals lose their lives in avalanches in the U.S., with the majority of these incidents occurring in National Forests.
Renowned snowboarder Travis Rice emphasized the indiscriminate nature of avalanches, stating that anyone engaging in snow-related activities near mountains must be knowledgeable about avalanches. Learning about avalanche characteristics can aid individuals in making informed decisions about venturing into backcountry areas.
Different types of avalanches exist, with dry slab avalanches identified as particularly hazardous. These avalanches behave like lurking monsters beneath a seemingly stable surface, waiting for a trigger to collapse the weak layer and trigger a destructive chain reaction.
Bruce Tremper of the Utah Avalanche Center described the violent and perilous nature of avalanches, noting that impacts with trees and rocks during descents are a leading cause of fatalities. He underscored the importance of understanding avalanche terrain, particularly assessing slope steepness, as most avalanches occur on slopes exceeding 30 degrees.
Prior to venturing into snowy environments, acquiring skills in avalanche awareness and safety measures is crucial for mitigating risks and ensuring a safe experience in the backcountry.
Consider heading into steep terrain only when avalanche conditions are safe. While ski resorts manage avalanche risks, the backcountry poses uncontrollable dangers, making it crucial for individuals to become their own avalanche experts. Learning about avalanche safety and acquiring the necessary gear may seem overwhelming, but it is essential. Remember, even after making numerous successful decisions, one wrong move can have severe consequences.
According to Rice, implementing five basic measures can prevent most avalanche accidents. These include acquiring the appropriate gear, receiving proper training, staying updated on avalanche forecasts, assessing the situation, and prioritizing safety. Basic rescue gear consists of an avalanche transceiver, a shovel, and a probe. It is crucial to practice using this equipment regularly, as a person buried in an avalanche has just 15 minutes to survive.
The North American Avalanche Danger Scale functions as a five-level system to communicate the risk of avalanches to backcountry enthusiasts. The scale considers factors such as the probability, size, and distribution of potential avalanches. Before embarking on any backcountry adventure, individuals must always check the weather conditions and avalanche forecast. Pay attention to recent snowfall, wind patterns, and temperature fluctuations, as these factors significantly influence avalanche risk. In case of a high danger forecast, adjust your plans, opt for less challenging terrain, or consider postponing the trip altogether.
The northwestern United States is anticipated to face another intense storm this week, bringing substantial rain, strong winds, and heavy mountain snowfall. As a result, the risk of river flooding, avalanches, and mudslides is expected to remain high, as highlighted by AccuWeather meteorologists.
