WINTER PARK, Colo. — An avalanche in central Colorado on Saturday resulted in a tragic fatality, adding to the increasing number of avalanche-related deaths across the western United States this winter.
Emergency responders in Grand County attended to the scene on Saturday, describing it as a skier-triggered avalanche occurring in a steep region referred to as “The Fingers,” situated above Berthoud Pass. Notably, this incident marked the second avalanche reported in that same area on the same day; fortunately, those caught in the earlier slide emerged unharmed.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, this avalanche incident marks the third snow-related death in Colorado for the season, and it is also the second fatality within a week in the state. Just days earlier, a snowboarder was killed in a slide near Silverton on February 20.
In other parts of the western U.S., the risks of avalanche incidents have been evident as well. On February 17, three individuals lost their lives in separate avalanche events—one near the Lake Tahoe region and two backcountry skiers in Oregon’s Cascade Mountains. Additionally, on February 8, an experienced outdoor guide was killed in Utah after being caught in an avalanche.
In California, Mammoth Mountain announced the passing of a ski patrol member, Claire Murphy, who succumbed to her injuries from an avalanche that took place the previous week. According to their social media update, Murphy was one of two ski patrol members involved in an avalanche during mitigation efforts on February 14, following a significant snowstorm that unleashed about 6 feet of snow in a mere 36 hours across the Sierra Nevada. While the second ski patrol staff member was rescued and reported to be responsive, Murphy was transported to a hospital for treatment but ultimately did not survive.
In their statement, Mammoth Mountain expressed their condolences, saying, “Our hearts are with her family and our community as we navigate this tragedy together.”
Statistics from the National Avalanche Center reveal that winter typically sees 25 to 30 avalanche-related fatalities across the U.S. Current assessments indicate that there are moderate to considerable avalanche risks in areas of Colorado, Utah, and Idaho. At the same time, avalanche warnings have been issued for regions in Washington and adjacent Montana.
In light of the dangers posed by avalanches, the Grand County Sheriff’s Office in Colorado released a notice on Sunday, urging backcountry enthusiasts to be diligent in carrying essential safety equipment and to consult daily avalanche forecasts to help ensure their safety while enjoying winter activities.
