CAIC: Colorado Avalanche Information Center

2023/02/25 - Colorado - South of Vallecito Reservoir

Published 2023/02/26 by Mike Cooperstein - Forecaster, CAIC


Avalanche Details

  • Location: South of Vallecito Reservoir
  • State: Colorado
  • Date: 2023/02/25
  • Time: Unknown
  • Summary Description: 2 skiers caught, buried, and killed
  • Primary Activity: Backcountry Tourer
  • Primary Travel Mode: Ski

Number

  • Caught: 0
  • Fully Buried: 2
  • Injured: 0
  • Killed: 2

Avalanche

  • Type: --
  • Trigger: AS - Skier
  • Trigger (subcode): u - An unintentional release
  • Size - Relative to Path: --
  • Size - Destructive Force: --
  • Sliding Surface: --

Site

  • Slope Aspect: NW
  • Site Elevation: 8400 ft
  • Slope Angle: 38 °
  • Slope Characteristic: --

Accident Summary

PRELIMINARY: On February 25, 2023, two backcountry tourers were reported overdue from a trip near Vallecito Reservoir. La Plata County Sheriff's Office began a search. Just before midnight, a Flight For Life helicopter saw an avalanche southeast of the reservoir with tracks entering the avalanche and none exiting. La Plata County Search and Rescue found both skiers buried about four feet deep in avalanche debris. 

Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic accident. CAIC staff will visit the accident site on Sunday, February 26, and we will publish a final report in the next week.

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