Avalanche in West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

An avalanche caught three backcountry recreationists (two skiers, one splitboarder) in the upper Rapid Creek, southwest of the town of Marble, Colorado. Two members of the group were caught up in the avalanche and one was completely buried in over 4 feet of snow and debris. One member was injured and the third was completely buried and perished before rescue groups were able to locate them.

A series of moist, atmospheric river events brough very heavy snow to much of the western U.S. including western Colorado.