Three snowmobilers were caught and partially buried in an avalanche on Gravel Mountain, north of Granby on Feb. 22. The Grand County Sheriff’s Office received a call reporting a “massive avalanche” with multiple people buried and initiated a search and rescue response. According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC), multiple riders were on the slope when the avalanche was triggered. Two riders highmarking were caught and partially buried in the debris. A third snowmobiler jumped the cornice and rode into the flowing avalanche and was partially buried. A fourth rider fell onto the bed surface but was not caught in the slide.
Gravel Mountain is a popular snowmobiling area located north of Granby. According to CAIC, there is currently moderate to considerable avalanche danger across most of Colorado’s mountains. A special avalanche advisory is also in effect through Sunday evening for most of the Front Range, the mountains of Summit County, and the Gore Range. Avalanche safety information and Colorado’s avalanche risk can be found on the CAIC website.
In light of the recent avalanche incident on Gravel Mountain and the heightened avalanche danger in Colorado, it is important for snowmobilers and other outdoor enthusiasts to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The CAIC provides valuable resources and information on avalanche safety to help individuals make informed decisions while enjoying winter activities in the mountains.
