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.
RELATED: Colorado’s Avalanche Danger Historically High
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.
About The Author
stash member Max Ritter
I manage digital content here at TGR, run our gear testing program, and am stoked to be living the dream in the Tetons.
nrnlaw
March 8th, 2019
This area is quite beautiful. I have done the Powder Addiction snowcat tour twice, and found the guides to be very safety aware. I took pictures both times and they were very reluctant to allow me to set up in any location they deemed potentially dangerous. Here is a link to images from that tour. It is a beautiful area, relatively close to Denver. https://www.flickr.com/photos/21085902@N08/albums/72157666403459261
Kruger
March 8th, 2019
Hans Berg was an amazing dude. The kindest and most caring person. He was genuine and positive every single day. He leaves behind his beloved dog Lander and close friend Susan. We skied JH in early February. He was a resident of JH for a number of years and spent his life living it to the fullest. Words can explain the devastating lost of one of the best. A real heart of gold. RIP Hans
https://youtu.be/O6zhi1QUpW0