A day of adventure turned tragic on Saturday when a snowmobile rider was caught in a powerful avalanche west of Denver and didn’t survive.
The avalanche hit Mines Peak, near Berthoud Pass, in a steep, rocky area locals call The Fingers or High Trail Cliffs. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), this spot is known for its avalanche risks because of its sharp slopes and easy access from the nearby parking area.
This wasn’t a small slide — it was a massive, ground-breaking slab avalanche that swept across several parts of the rugged terrain. CAIC officials plan to visit the site and gather more details about what happened.
“We send our deepest condolences to the victim’s friends, family, and everyone involved in the rescue efforts,” the CAIC said in a heartfelt statement.
Avalanches have been causing chaos across the western U.S. this winter. Just last week, a man was dramatically rescued after being buried for over an hour in an avalanche on Vail Pass in central Colorado. Tragically, in Oregon, two missing skiers were found dead on February 18 after being caught in an avalanche in the Cascade Mountains.
The danger isn’t limited to one area. Earlier this month, two ski patrollers were trapped by an avalanche in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, and in Utah, an avalanche killed one skier and injured another at Big Cottonwood Canyon on February 8.
Avalanches are fast and unpredictable — they happen when layers of snow slide down steep slopes, often triggered by new, heavy snowfall or strong winds. Surprisingly, the National Weather Service (NWS) says most avalanches (about 90%) are started by the victim or someone in their group. Globally, avalanches take the lives of more than 150 people every year.
If you’re heading into the mountains this season, experts urge you to stay informed and prepared. Snowy adventures can quickly turn dangerous — and knowing the risks can save lives.
