Avalanche
Industry News
Skiing is inherently dangerous, and it is a risk that most participants are willing to take. The mountains are where we spend much of our time during the winter; to some, it is our home away from home. Most risks associated with skiing or riding are due to injuries when a person falls. However, more life-threatening risks, such as avalanches, are far more dangerous.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) recently released its 2022/23 avalanche summary for the state of Colorado, providing details for last season. It also announced a new forecasting platform and when those avalanche forecasts will be released. According to the CAIC, 5,813 avalanches were reported last season, resulting in 11 deaths, which is the second most since records began in 1951.
Of all the avalanches reported to the CAIC, 96 incidents were documented, with 122 people caught in an avalanche. Out of the 11 avalanche deaths, there was one roof fatality, two side country fatalities, and four fatalities where the victims were not wearing transceivers. The 2022/23 season avalanche numbers exceeded the previous 10-year averages.
The first avalanche in Colorado was recorded on October 27, but February, March, and April produced most of the incidents associated with avalanches, according to the report. Between February 23 and 26, 10 avalanches caught 14 people, and three were killed in separate accidents on February 25. In separate incidents, two backcountry skiers and a snowmobiler were killed in avalanches near Durango and La Manga Pass.
March produced roof avalanches and backcountry avalanches that unfortunately resulted in the deaths of three individuals. A roof avalanche tragically took a child’s life due to the injuries sustained in the avalanche. One backcountry skier was lost when an avalanche swept three skiers away. The other two skiers were separated but survived and spent hours getting to safety. Another backcountry skier was killed in March near Aspen Highlands Ski Area despite being rescued quickly.
April brought 15 avalanches in which 18 people were caught, sadly resulting in one skiing fatality. The solo skier was caught and buried near Breckenridge and, unfortunately, did not have any other partners to assist in a rescue attempt.
The CAIC made three changes to its program this season, moving from a 10 set forecast zones to a dynamic forecast zone where forecasts are issued for areas with similar conditions. These avalanche forecasts are now announced in the afternoon, which covers the next two days for people to make better plans. These changes can be found on the CAIC’s new website, which is geared to be more stable and mobile-friendly.Â
Of the 11 avalanche fatalities this past season, 21 people were involved in those accidents. The fatalities included six skiers, one snowboarder, three snowmobilers, and one snowshoer/climber/hiker, according to the CAIC. The report ended by saying it hopes the multiple accidents where persons were not wearing avalanche transceivers were just an anomaly and not a trend. The report also mentioned that this was the second year in a row with similar patterns regarding transceivers.
