Avalanche — Grand and Battlement Mesas, Colorado
2005-04-01 · Grand and Battlement Mesas, Colorado
1
Direct deaths
Wider weather episode
A backcountry skier triggered an avalanche at about 10,560 feet above sea level on the Grand Mesa while ascending a slope. The skier was swept over some rocks and down into some trees. His companion notified 911 dispatch of the incident. CDOT employees and Mesa County Search and Rescue responded and found the victim about 2 hours after he was buried. The victim was not equiped with an avalanche rescue beacon and apparently died of asphyxiation.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5448566. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.