Avalanche
A skier is recovering from an arm injury after being caught in an avalanche on Tuesday, April 30, in a backcountry area near Interstate 70 and the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, Colorado.
According to a Colorado Avalanche Information Center field report, the skier was descending an open area above a narrow chute near the Whistler Cliffs area south of Coon Hill when the avalanche occurred.
“A skier was caught, partially buried, and injured in a Loose Wet avalanche on Tuesday, April 30. The skier descended an open portion of the slope above a narrow chute. He found wind-drifted snow that was not wet in the open bowl. He descended further through the chute. As he was exiting the chute, he was hit from behind by a wet avalanche. The skier wound up on top of the debris except for his lower legs, which were still attached to his skis. He dug himself out, skied to his car, and drove to medical care for an arm injury. The skier alerted Summit County dispatch what had happened so they didn’t initiate a response. The skier triggered the avalanche in the chute, and the avalanche gained speed and mass as it ran through the chute, catching the skier.”
– CAIC report
The skier had found a patch of wind-drifted snow that was not wet in the bowl and decided to travel further into the chute. A wet avalanche struck him from behind as he exited, partially burying him in the debris.
The report states that the skier could dig himself out with only his legs buried. He then skied to his car and sought medical care for his arm injury. The skier reported the incident to authorities to prevent an unnecessary search and rescue response.
The avalanche was triggered while the skier was skiing the chute. It gained speed and size as it traveled the path before catching him.
This incident is one of 38 avalanches reported in Colorado over the past 10 days, 10 triggered by backcountry recreationists.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center officials have warned that a recent storm will likely increase the risk in the backcountry after 10 inches or more of fresh snow fell across the region.
Personally I wouldn’t travel or ski under that cornice…damd thing is massive and getting sun baked.
Sounds like this idiot was skiing alone !!!
Sounds like this idiot doesn’t understand risk tolerance is different for people.