Avalanche — Gore And Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Colorado
March 7, 2026 · NOAA Storm Events record
Event narrative (NOAA)
All information paraphrased from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center report on the incidence. The fatal avalanche was triggered by a solo backcountry skier in an area known locally as Boss Basin, in the area of Vail Pass, CO. Boss Basin is comprised of a series of northeast-facing slopes that are low-angled at the top, descending into steeper slopes below, ending at a flat bench. Conditions in the Vail Pass area on the accident day were rated by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center at Moderate (3/5) near and above treeline, with a Considerable (2/5) rating below treeline. The main concern was listed as Persistent Slab Avalanches, favoring slopes northwest through north to northeast facing at all elevation bands. The likelihood was listed as Likely, and size expected listed as La
Other notable avalanche events in Colorado
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.