Avalanche — West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

2019-02-16 · West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

A pair of back country skiers were skinning up a steep mountain after a recent winter storm brought 1 to 2 feet of new snow to the area. The new snow fell on top of an unstable snow pack from earlier winter storms. The skiers were apparently together in the middle of the slope when the avalanche released. They were carried down an open 37 degree slope and were buried in approximately five feet of snow and debris. Neither skier survived.

Wider weather episode

A strong winter storm dropped 1 to 2 feet of new snow across the Central Mountains in Western Colorado on top of an unstable early winter snow pack. Back country skiers triggered an avalanche as they were breaking trail along a steep slope in an area known as Death Pass near Crested Butte.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 798364. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.