GUNNISON COUNTY, Colo. (KDVR) — A backcountry snowboarder was killed and two others were injured in an avalanche southwest of the Town of Marble on Friday, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The three snowboarders were caught in the avalanche in Upper Rapid Creek, the CAIC website said. One snowboarder was taken out by helicopter and the other was taken by ambulance after getting themself out of the avalanche.
The third snowboarder was unaccounted for and a search was conducted on Saturday. The CAIC site said the rider was found buried beneath four feet of snow.
This is the second snowboarder and the eighth person total who has been killed in an avalanche this season.
Avalanche triggered above treeline
According to the CAIC, the wave of snow triggered and released in the east-northeast aspect above the treeline. The avalanche was 2 to 3 feet deep, 300 to 500 feet wide and covered approximately 2,400 vertical feet.
The Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office, Colorado Search and Rescue Association, Mountain Rescue Aspen, West Elk Rescue Group, Flight for Life, Careflight of the Rockies, and the CAIC were involved in the search, rescue and recovery efforts.
Source : https://kdvr.com/news/local/1-killed-2-injured-in/
