Snowmobiler who survived for more than an hour after being fully buried in an avalanche was not wearing a transceiver, new report shows
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says wearing a transceiver and carrying a probe and shovel is important for anyone traveling into the backcountry where avalanche danger may be present
Colorado Avalanche Information Center/Courtesy photo
The snowmobiler who survived for more than an hour after being caught and fully buried by an avalanche at Shrine Mountain earlier this month had forgotten his avalanche transceiver at home, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Colorado officials detailed the Feb. 17 avalanche accident in a final report published Monday, Feb. 24. The report states that the avalanche forecast for Feb. 17 rated the avalanche danger in the area near Vail Pass at high, Level 4 of 5. There was also an avalanche warning in place that day.
A storm between Feb. 13 and Feb. 17 brought 2-3 feet of snow to the area as well as strong winds that created a snow slab over a weak layer, the final report states. The two snowmobilers that went out that day discussed their plans and checked their avalanche airbags before starting but did not discuss other avalanche safety equipment or check their transceivers at the trailhead, as is recommended, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The Summit County Rescue Group responded to the area assistance from the Summit County Sheriff’s Office after the snowmobiler who was not buried called 911 to report that his friend had been caught and buried in the avalanche.
“This accident highlights the importance of checking your equipment at the trailhead before heading into the backcountry,” Colorado avalanche officials wrote in the final report.
Avalanche airbags are an important piece of avalanche safety equipment that can increase the chance of survival in an avalanche, but do not guarantee survival, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The best way to “be searchable” after being caught in an avalanche is to be wearing an avalanche transceiver, avalanche officials said. Surviving under the snow for an hour is unusual, with odds of survival less than 25% and possibly less than 10%, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
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