Front Range
AvalancheJason Konigsberg, Mike Cooperstein · Jan 8, 2021 · Front Range
Weather
Wind and temperature data from Berthoud Pass (METAR) wx station which is a similar elevation to the start zone of the avalanche reported in this ob.
Avalanche
A snowmobiler triggered a very large avalanche while highmarking a wind-loaded east-facing slope. The rider was riding downhill when the avalanche released and he was hit from behind. Miraculously the rider was able to stay on his snowmobile and ride the avalanche to the bottom and out of the debris that piled up deeply. If he would have been knocked off his snowmobile, he would have been buried by hard debris, potentially five feet deep. He was the second rider to highmark the slope. His partner was out of harm's way below.