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2 Separate Avalanche Deaths Occur In Colorado and The Tetons
Tragically, two avalanche deaths were reported on March 17, 2022. A solo backcountry snowboarder was killed in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains while a skier was killed in the Teton Pass backcountry. The man killed in the San Juans was identified as Devin Overton, an experienced local snowboarder. The Teton victim's name has not been released. Both men were caught in large avalanches that failed unexpectedly on buried weak layers. Multiple large avalanches were reported in the last few days in nearby zones of accident sites. While spring skiing is right around the corner, and many of us have had the luxury of a stable snowpack most of the winter, these tragic accidents serve as a reminder that every day in the backcountry requires understanding snow and avalanche conditions and carrying proper equipment, having a partner, and a plan.
From Teton County Search and Rescue:
At 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, Teton County Search & Rescue volunteers responded to a report of two skiers caught in an avalanche in the Game Creek drainage on the western slope of the Tetons, near Victor, Idaho. Initial reports indicated that an older man and older woman were buried and uncovered by their companions. The man was unconscious and not breathing, and companions initiated CPR. The woman was breathing, conscious, and ambulatory. Exact circumstances of the slide event are unclear at this time. TCSAR responded via helicopter as companions on the ground continued CPR. While TCSAR was en route, it was determined that the male skier had passed away. The volunteers arrived on scene and transported the woman via helicopter out of the backcountry to a waiting ambulance.
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From the Colorado Avalanche Information Center:
At around 3:00 PM on March 17, 2022, a solo backcountry snowboarder was caught, buried, and killed in an avalanche south of Trout Lake, about five miles southwest of the town of Ophir, in the North San Juan Mountain Forecast zone. Telluride Helitrax, a local helicopter-skiing/snowboarding guide service, was guiding in the area when a guide noticed a large avalanche. Two guides were dropped on the debris field. The guides got a signal and located the snowboarder with a transceiver search. The snowboarder was buried about 2 meters deep, and unfortunately, he did not survive.
