Nitro Chute, Berthoud Pass, Colorado - split-boarding, avalanche

 

On December 26, a father and his three teenage sons went backcountry skiing in Berthoud Pass, Colorado. The father (Rider 1) rode down the Nitro Chute area while the three teenagers (Riders 2 and 3, and Skier 1) stayed behind to build a jump. At around 12:40 PM, an avalanche occurred and Rider 1 was swept away by the flowing snow. Riders 2 and 3 and Skier 1 were also caught in the avalanche, but Skier 1 was able to get out of the flowing snow. Riders 2 and 3 tried to run out of the avalanche path, but Rider 2 only managed to partially escape and Rider 3 was pushed further downhill. When the avalanche stopped, Riders 1 and 3 were missing. Rider 2 and Skier 1 searched for them using their avalanche transceivers and were able to find Rider 3, who was partially buried. They were then joined by several other backcountry tourers who had witnessed the avalanche. The responders left Rider 3 partially buried and began searching for Rider 1. They located his transceiver signal and were able to dig him out of the snow, but he was not breathing and was pronounced dead at the scene.

CAIC Releases Full Report on Berthoud Pass, CO, Avalanche Fatality Involving Father and 3 Teenage Sons