A skier was caught and carried in an avalanche last Thursday, Jan. 29, near Montezuma in Summit County.
According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), the skier had triggered the large avalanche and was caught, carried, and partially buried in the slide, sustaining a serious lower leg injury. Luckily, the skier was able to self-extricate and get back to his snowmobile.
The CAIC reports that avalanche danger is considerable in the Northern Mountains. This means that natural avalanches are unlikely but human-triggered avalanches are likely on some slopes.
The recent winds across Colorado have loaded east, southeast, and south-facing slopes, moving avalanche risk onto slopes that had offered safer options earlier in the season, according to the CAIC. The CAIC also said that the safest riding options now are lower-elevation, wind-sheltered terrain and to avoid slopes steeper than about 30 degrees.
Check out more information on avalanche conditions here.