Splitboarder Rescued After Avalanche Swept Him Into Tree Near Crested Butte

click to expand

DENVER (CBS4) - The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says a splitboarder was swept away by an avalanche Tuesday afternoon. It happened on Snodgrass Mountain near Crested Butte.

An avalanche on Snodgrass Mountain near Crested Butte swept a splitboarder into a tree and injured his leg. (credit: CAIC)

The CAIC says the boarder and a skier skinned up the south side of the mountain and were descending the north side in an area called First Bowl, which is at an elevation around 10,000 feet. That's when a slab avalanche released and swept the boarder into a tree injuring his leg.

The party was able to call 911 for help and a rescue team responded shortly thereafter. The avalanche took place within old snow on a slope with a northeast aspect.

(credit: CAIC)

(credit: Google Earth posted Crested Butte Avalanche Center)

A flank of the avalanche. (credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center)

Site of the avalanche. (credit: Crested Butte Avalanche Center)