DENVER (KDVR) — A snowmobiler is lucky to be alive after being buried in a Vail Pass avalanche Monday afternoon and recovered by a high country search and rescue group.
A spokesperson with the all-volunteer Summit County Rescue Group said the initial call came in after noon from the Shrine Bowl vicinity, a popular spot for snowmobilers in the Vail Pass recreation area.
Once crews got to the area, the man, buried in 2 to 3 feet of snow, was spotted in large part due to his avalanche airbag.
“At the hour-and-five-minute mark, our rescuer found the corner of an avalanche airbag sticking up out of the snow,” said Matt Parker, mission coordinator and medical officer with Summit County Rescue Group.
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Man rescued after being buried in avalanche for over an hour (Courtesy of Summit County Rescue Group) -
Man rescued after being buried in avalanche for over an hour (Courtesy of Summit County Rescue Group) -
Man rescued after being buried in avalanche for over an hour (Courtesy of Summit County Rescue Group) -
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center shared images of the debris field on Shrine Mountain from an avalanche triggered at about noon on Monday, Feb. 17. (Courtesy the Colorado Avalanche Information Center)
After uncovering the airway, the man was rushed to Summit Medical Center.
“The subject was awake and talking,” said Parker.
A press release said he appeared to be suffering mainly from the early stages of hypothermia. The man, only described as being from the Front Range, is said to be in “good spirits.”
Thirty rescuers and 5 accredited dog teams are being praised for their training and work. Parker says anyone traveling to the high country, especially in the winter, should travel with a partner and:
- Talk about your objectives
- Talk about travel routes
- Analyze the weather forecast
- Re-evaluate the weather forecast throughout the trip
“Avalanches do happen,” said Parker.