Avalanche — Southwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado
2015-01-06 · Southwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado
1
Direct deaths
Event narrative
Two cross country skiers were traversing the northwest side of Kendall Mountain when an avalanche was triggered. The snow layer fractured at the 11,300 foot layer, a short distance above one skier who was quickly swept several hundred feet down a 42 degree slope into a grove of trees. The skier caught in the avalanche came to a stop against a tree and was partially buried. That skier did not survive.
Wider weather episode
A deadly avalanche occurred in the western San Juan Mountains near Silverton, Colorado.
Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 554439. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.