SUMMIT COUNTY, Colorado — Avalanche forecasters around Colorado are warily eying the back country snow pack, concerned that warming temperatures and clearing skies could lead to a spike in serious accidents in the coming weeks. February historically sees the highest number of avalanche deaths, based on statistics dating to 1950. And this winter’s steady snows have built a tender snow pack that is prone to big slides.
So far this season, five people have died in avalanches, one less than the annual average of six. Around the country, 23 people have died since mid-December, surpassing last year’s total and leading to concerns that there could a record number of deaths this winter. Back country snow riders can expect to see avalanches that haven’t slid in a long time. And even regular slides will run bigger and longer than anytime in recent memory. said Ethan Green, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. “The avalanches we’re seeing are getting bigger and bigger. It’s amazing more people haven’t been killed.”
Some experts are especially concerned about a sudden rise in the number of accidents among skiers and snowboarders who use ski resort chairlifts to get to out-of-bounds terrain. Aspen-based forecaster Brian McCall said he expects the danger rating to remain high across most of the state, and said the danger could climb even higher with a warm-up.
Posted by:
Jeffery McClintock
Categories:
Mountain Lifestyle
Recreation
