Avalanche
A backcountry skier narrowly escaped death on December 3 when an avalanche struck Mines Peak, east of Colorado’s Berthoud Pass. The incident, occurring at approximately 3:17 p.m., prompted a swift response from Grand County Search and Rescue (GCSAR) and multiple agencies.
The skier, who self-extricated from the debris from the avalanche, sustained significant injuries that prevented self-evacuation. Rescuers located the victim using GPS coordinates from his cell phone. First responders treated the skier for multiple injuries, including mild hypothermia, before using a rescue toboggan and rope systems to transport him to Highway 40.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center reported the avalanche was triggered at treeline in an area known as “Mines 2.” It was two feet deep, 600 feet wide, and ran about 800 vertical feet. The avalanche danger rating for the day was ‘considerable.’
This event marks Colorado’s first documented avalanche injury for the 2024-25 ski season.
GCSAR emphasizes the critical importance of proper equipment and skills for backcountry adventures. Essential gear includes a rescue beacon, shovel, and probe. The agency strongly advises checking Avalanche.state.co.us for current conditions before venturing into avalanche-prone terrain.
