Looking down the path of an avalanche near Silverton, Colo. (photo: CAIC)

Olivia Buchanan, 23-year-old of Durango, Colo., passed away today in an avalanche. Buchanan was skiing Kendall Mountain, southwest of Silverton, Colo. at the time of the slide. She was among a group of backcountry skiers descending the Rabbit Ears (Arcade) avalanche path at 11,000 feet when the small slide released and swept her through a stand of trees. She was the only member of her skiing party caught by the slide. Rescue efforts lasted well after dark. She died a short time later en route to a local hospital.

Olivia Buchanan is the 4th avalanche death in the USA this season.