Solo Backcountry Snowboarder Killed in Avalanche South of Telluride, CO

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Looking up toward the crown face of a fatal avalanche that killed a backcountry snowboarder on March 17, 2022. Credit: CAIC

At around 3:00 pm on March 17, 2022, a solo backcountry snowboarder was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche south of Trout Lake, 13 miles south of Telluride, CO, in the North San Juan Mountain Forecast zone.

At approximately 3 pm, Helitrax, a local heli-ski outfitter, was flying in the Trout Lake area and spotted what appeared to be evidence of a fresh avalanche. They saw a single set of tracks going into the slide area, but none coming out. They immediately contacted San Miguel Sheriff’s Dispatchers, and a Search and Rescue mission was launched. Helitrax meantime started an aerial beacon search, and when a signal was detected, they landed their helicopter and were able to locate the victim who had been buried under six feet of debris.

Search and Rescue members were flown in to recover the body. The man has been identified as 29-year-old Devin Overton of Telluride. Next of kin notifications have been made. On behalf of the entire Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Masters wishes to extend deepest condolences to Mr. Overton’s family and many friends.

The fatality is the 13th avalanche-related death in the US this winter.

Looking across the debris field toward the burial location of a fatal avalanche that killed a backcountry snowboarder on March 17, 2022. Credit: CAIC
Looking at the debris field of an avalanche that caught, buried, and killed a backcountry snowboarder on March 17, 2022. Credit: CAIC
Yesterday’s avalanche forecast. Credit: CAIC
The red pin marks Trout Lake, CO.

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