Berthoud Pass, CO — Grand County Search and Rescue is calling a skier “extremely lucky” after they walked away completely uninjured despite being carried 200 yards down a slope in an avalanche.
Grand County Sheriff’s Office and Grand County EMS responded to the avalanche on Berthoud Pass at 2:23pm Sunday afternoon. One skier was caught and carried in an avalanche on a backcountry ski run commonly known as “Postage Stamp.” The skier was able to remain on top of the sliding debris and self-extricate after being carried approximately 200 yards down the slope. The skier did not sustain any injuries and they were able to maintain all their gear and ski out with their partner.
“We urge all backcountry enthusiasts to read the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecast before venturing out into avalanche terrain. The CAIC forecast today advised the following: East-, southeast-, and south-facing slopes are the most dangerous, where strong winds drifted thick slabs over weak snow. The accident today occurred on a Southeast facing slope affected by wind loading.” –Grand County Search and Rescue – CO
Grand County Search and Rescue thanked the multiple people who witnessed the avalanche and called 911 to report it and are grateful for the two skiers that were close by and able to quickly reach the subject and confirm that they were okay.
images from GCSAR facebook
