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2025 Archive Index - All Editions

Skier injured after riding avalanche about 1,100 ft

A skier suffered injuries in an avalanche Saturday, April 12, in the K Chute of a popular backcountry spot in Summit County, CO known as the Sky Chutes. The avalanche triggered by the skier Saturday was a wet slab avalanche that was D2.5 in size, or large enough to bury, injure or kill a person. The avalanche danger was moderate in the Tenmile Range that day, with the forecast warning of slides possible on west-facing slopes near treeline. The group discussed the avalanche forecast for the day and were all carrying avalanche rescue gear.
Source ... (Summit Daily)

Skiers in Glacier National Park (BC) avalanche carried 60 metres

Two backcountry skiers riding the slopes of Glacier National Park on the afternoon of April 11 walked away from a size 2.5 avalanche that carried them 60 metres downhill. In a report submitted through Avalanche Canada, one of the skiers shared that the pair triggered an avalanche large enough to bury a person, and possibly even destroy a building, around 1 p.m.

They'd approached the top of the Bruins Glacier, which lies near Ursus Major Mountain and north of the Trans-Canada Highway, when they heard a loud "whump" and noticed the slope releasing. Both skiers, just 20 metres short of summiting, got sucked into a downward slide likely at least 50 metres wide. The person higher up along the skin track was carried 40 metres along before deploying their backpack airbag and avoiding being caught underneath the snow. Their companion slid 60 metres downslope, ending up "partially buried" but able to extricate themselves, without their breathing becoming impaired. Neither reported any injuries. The report listed a total three people being involved in the incident, though the skiers didn't elaborate on this.
Source ... (North Island Gazette)

Switzerland records below-average number of avalanche deaths

Between October 1, 2024, and April 14, 2025, a total of 172 avalanches were reported that caused damage, either to people or property, SLF said on Tuesday. Of these, 156 were triggered by humans. A total of 216 people were caught up in an avalanche. This was slightly above the average of the last 20 years (205 people). There were ten fatalities in nine avalanche incidents – well below the 20-year average of 19 fatalities.
Source ... (Swissinfo)