Avalanche — West Elk And Sawatch Mountains, Colorado
March 17, 2023 · NOAA Storm Events record
Direct deaths
1
Direct injuries
1
Property damage
—
Area
West Elk And Sawatch Mountains
Event narrative (NOAA)
An avalanche caught three backcountry recreationists (two skiers, one splitboarder) in the upper Rapid Creek, southwest of the town of Marble, Colorado. Two members of the group were caught up in the avalanche and one was completely buried in over 4 feet of snow and debris. One member was injured and the third was completely buried and perished before rescue groups were able to locate them.
Other notable avalanche events in Colorado
S & Se Grand / W Central & Sw Boulder / Gilpin / Clear Creek / Summit / N & W Park Counties Above 9000 Feet · April 20, 20135 killedWest Elk And Sawatch Mountains/Taylor Park / W Lake / W Chaffee / Wc To Ec Gunnison · February 6, 19993 killedNorthwestern San Juan Mountains · February 1, 20213 killedGore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys · March 13, 20072 killedS & E Jackson / Larimer / N & Ne Grand / Nw Boulder Counties Above 9000 Feet · January 1, 20062 killedGore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys · March 17, 20002 killed
Source: NOAA/NCEI Storm Events Database. Deaths and injuries are those NOAA classifies as direct. Damage is the reporting office's estimate at the time and is not inflation-adjusted. This is a catalogue record, not a forecast.