Skier partially buried in Colorado Mount Bross avalanche

A skier was partially buried after triggering a large wind slab avalanche on an east-facing slope of Mount Bross on Sunday, Oct. 25. The incident occurred above 14,000 feet on the Colorado 14er, marking one of the first human-triggered avalanches of the winter season.

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, the avalanche buried the skier’s head, but companions were able to dig them out within approximately five minutes. All individuals in the group reportedly exited the backcountry safely.

Officials noted the incident serves as a reminder that minimal snow accumulation can create dangerous conditions. They warned that wind-drifted snow, while often appearing appealing because it covers shallow obstacles, carries a higher potential for avalanches due to the slabs created by transported snow.