A 31-year-old Colorado man was caught and killed in an avalanche near Breckenridge on Saturday, April 29, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The incident, which marks the 11th avalanche death in Colorado this season, occurred around 1pm on Bald Mountain.
The man, whose name is yet to be released, was skiing solo when the avalanche occurred around 13,200 feet. Summit County Rescue Group was notified of a missing person by the skier’s girlfriend, who called 911 after the deceased failed to answer any calls when he was expected to have returned to his vehicle.
Flight For Life Colorado was called in to do an aerial search of the area, spotting the avalanche with no visible tracks exiting or entering the debris. Two SCRG members found the skier around 11pm via transceiver signal. He was below 55cm of debris.
Colorado Avalanche Information Center wants to remind individuals to start and end their backcountry days early as wet snow concerns arise. Stay aware and check the proper avalanche reports before you go.
Image Credit: Summit County Rescue Group via Facebook