Colorado warns of increasing avalanche dangers after snowboarder killed
The most dangerous conditions are often on the northern slopes, where new snow has fallen
BOULDER, Colo. – Authorities are warning outdoor enthusiasts about increasing avalanche dangers along the Front Range after a snowboarder was killed Thursday near the town of Ophir.
It’s believed the 29-year-old snowboarder was alone when he was caught in an avalanche and buried under more than six feet of snow.
An area helicopter skiing company spotted the fresh slide and responded, looking for victims.
The San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office identified the man as Devin Overton, a local snowboard enthusiast.
The area was under a moderate threat for seeing avalanches but the Colorado Avalanche Information Center warned that slides can happen without warning.
An investigate report stated Overton was at around 13,000 feet when the wall of snow moved through.
Many of the mountains that make up the front range are either under moderate or considerable threats for avalanches.
Experts say the events can occur any time of the year but are most common during and just after snowstorms when the snowpack is most unstable.
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If not skiing or snowboarding on a maintained slope, it’s advised you wait at least 36 hours for the snowpack to become more stable before venturing out.
The center says, on average, 27 people die each winter from avalanches in the United States, with most occurring in the Centennial State.