Avalanche
An avalanche on a closed run at Snowmass ski area in Colorado yesterday prompted a search and rescue mission involving a team of ski patrollers and four avalanche dogs. No individuals were found, and nobody has been reported missing.
The avalanche, which appears to have been triggered naturally, was spotted by a patroller on the High Alpine chairlift around 1:25 pm. The slide was on the Rock Island run, gated terrain that was closed, although terrain nearby was open.
“Ski patrol responded with a trained team of patrollers and four avalanche dogs and conducted a thorough search of the area. No individuals were found and no one has been reported missing. Search teams were demobilized at 3:25 pm and the surrounding terrain as well as the Big Burn and High Alpine chairs were closed for the day.”
– Jeff Hanle, VP Communications, Aspen Skiing Co.
Another large slide was intentionally triggered at Aspen Highlands by patrollers conducting mitigation work. Highland Bowl, Deep Temerity, and the Steeplechase terrain were closed Tuesday, and the Deep Temerity lift did not run.
Hanle warned that the warming weather may result in the ski area closing steep terrain as conditions dictate and requested all skiers “please obey all closures and exercise caution.”
Snowmass has seen 11″ of fresh snow in the last week and has a 90″ base.
