The group of seven skiers recovered a missing person after removing him.
Three skiers are said to have died after being hit by a “great avalanche” more than three kilometers above sea level, when they accidentally triggered it while skiing in a remote field.
The incident occurred on February 1 between the cities of Silverton and Ophir, Colorado, when a group of seven skiers were traveling near an area – known locally as “The Nose” – and, according to a report by Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), they accidentally fired a large avalanche at an altitude of approximately 11,500 feet.
Four people were caught in the avalanche when they were carried and then buried by falling ice and snow.
According to CAIC, the group of skiers managed to rescue one of its missing members after removing them. This individual suffered only minor injuries. The other three people are considered dead, according to the Eagle County government and Eagle City.
“Although an official announcement has not yet been made by our partners in San Juan County, the families of Seth Bossung, Andy Jessen and Adam Palmer are allowing us to share their names so that we can all openly acknowledge their deaths and mourn together”, government officials said in a joint statement Wednesday. “Families are surrounded by loved ones and we ask everyone to respect their wishes as to when and how they want to communicate with others.”
Authorities were contacted and search and rescue operations lasted until night, said CAIC, and again continued on February 2 before being suspended due to the “considerable” avalanche danger, as well as the safety of the search and rescue team .
“The avalanche danger in the mountainous area of northern San Juan is at ‘considerable’ risk and due to unstable accumulated snow, we are experiencing a natural and attenuated avalanche activity,” said the San Juan Colorado County Emergency Management Office in a press release. “The increase in avalanche activity caused dangerous conditions for the recovery mission. Therefore, the mission to recover the three missing skiers has been suspended until the avalanche conditions are stable and first aid can re-enter the dangerous terrain of the avalanche accident site. “
CAIC said search and rescue efforts will resume when rescuers feel it is safe to access the site again.
“The danger of avalanche inland is always unpredictable, regardless of your avalanche knowledge and skills,” said the San Juan County Emergency Management Office, Colorado. “It is essential to check the forecast and the danger of avalanche before venturing into the hinterland. Check … the avalanche conditions, have your headlight, paddle, probe equipment and make a communication plan with your ski group. “