The Colorado Avalanche Center has issued a warning that avalanche conditions are present across the state and are using this skier triggered slide that occurred near Beaver Creek Ski Resort to raise awareness. Thankfully no one was caught in the avalanche but it was sufficiently sized to result in a burial. Avalanche danger remains considerable and anyone traveling the backcountry to fully prepared.
“A skier remotely triggered this large avalanche near Beaver Creek from 200’ away. It broke to the ground and sympathetically triggered an avalanche on the adjacent slope. Similar incidents are being reported across the state.
The avalanche danger is considerable (3 of 5), and a Special Avalanche Advisory is in effect across much of the state through Sunday evening. One to three feet of dense, heavy snow fell on a weak, cohesionless snowpack. Avalanche conditions are more dangerous than we’ve experienced all season. In most mountain areas, triggering large and dangerous avalanches during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend will be easy. Avalanches will be large enough to injure or kill you.
Adjust your holiday plans accordingly. If you travel in the backcountry, use careful snowpack evaluation, cautious route-finding, and conservative decision-making.”
