Avalanche in Northwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

A snowboarder traveling alone was caught in an avalanche which initiated at the 10,300 foot level and carried the victim downhill 925 vertical feet. The victim had an avalanche beacon and was found buried under four feet of snow and debris. The avalanche occurred in an area south of the town of Telluride.

Early season snowfall and a dry start to January created a weak snow layer which was covered by seven feet of newer snow which accumulated from mid January to February 13th. This later snow formed a dense slab over the weak base and create favorable avalanche conditions.