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A view of the avalanche debris. CAIC photo.
A 48-year-old backcountry skier was caught and killed in a massive avalanche on Jones Pass in Colorado on Thursday. The victim was identified as Hans Berg, an employee of Powder Addiction – a cat skiing company that operates on Jones Pass.
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According to the Summit Daily, Berg was photographing clients when he was caught in the size R4 D4 slide. He was recovered by guides and clients and evacuated to an area hospital where he died from sustained injuries, including a broken leg.
Avalanche risk has created historically dangerous conditions across Colorado. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center posted the danger as Level 4 – High for the Front Range zone (which Jones and Berthoud Pass are a part of). The neighboring Vail/Summit County Zone were rated at Level 5 – Extreme. Numerous massive natural avalanches ran in the mountains around Summit Country, creating several new permanent forest clearings.
