Large, Skier-Triggered Avalanche Reported Yesterday Near Vail, CO

Observed avalanche in Pitkin drainage viewed from the Outpost ridge near Vail. Just to the north (looker’s left) of Birthday chute. NW aspect, ~11,600 ft. Debris ran all the way to the valley floor. We talked to the party at the trailhead. The rider that triggered the avalanche was not caught. They made a few turns before the avalanche broke above them and were able to reach a tree island. | Photo courtesy of CAIC

Low avalanche danger does not mean NO avalanche danger.

On Sunday, 1/30/2022, a skier triggered a large (D2.5) avalanche on a Northwest aspect in Colorado’s Vail/Summit Zone. Thankfully the skier was able to hold onto a tree while the avalanche ran around them.

An alternate view of the Sunday, January 30 skier-triggered avalanche. Photo courtesy of CAIC

To avoid surprises like this, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center recommends that you avoid slopes with shallower snowpacks where old snow lurks near the ground.

Avalanche Details

Observed avalanche in Pitkin drainage viewed from the Outpost ridge near Vail. Just to the north (looker’s left) of Birthday chute. NW aspect, ~11,600 ft. Debris ran all the way to the valley floor. We talked to the party at the trailhead. The rider that triggered the avalanche was not caught. They made a few turns before the avalanche broke above them and were able to reach a tree island. – CAIC

Here’s the preliminary incident report from the CAIC.