Avalanche — Northwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado
2002-03-15 · Northwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado
1
Direct deaths
1
Injuries
Wider weather episode
Two out-of-bounds skiers triggered a soft-slab avalanche east of the Telluride Ski Area at an elevation of 11,800 feet. The slide traveled 2200 vertical feet, killing one person and seriously injuring another. The victim was not recovered until weeks later, as debris at the bottom of the slide was estimated to be 30 feet deep and hardpacked.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5285064. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.