A snowboarder was killed Monday after getting caught in an avalanche on a Colorado mountain.
The incident occurred around 1 p.m. near Winter Park in an area known as Nitro Chutes when four snowboarders were near Berthoud Pass, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said. Two of the riders were able to stay above the surface but the other two were buried by snow and debris.
The unburied riders found their covered companions but one, a 44-year-old man, was not breathing when he was recovered. He was declared dead after life-saving efforts were unsuccessful.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center said another rider-triggered avalanche had occurred earlier that day in the same spot.
“This exact aspect and elevation have been the bullseye location for avalanches since the beginning of the month,” it reported.
“This is a tragic reminder that you can trigger a dangerous avalanche on many wind-loaded slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.”
The fatality was the first avalanche-related death in Colorado of the 2022-23 season. Seven people were killed during the 2021-22 season, including two skiers, a snowboarder and four snowshoers.
The identity of the victim of Monday’s avalanche has not been released.
“Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic accident,” the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said.
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