BERTHOUD PASS, COLORADO – A backcountry rider was killed in an avalanche on February 22 near Colorado Mines Peak, east of Berthoud Pass, according to a preliminary report from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
The victim, a solo pow surfer—a snowboarder riding without bindings—was caught in a large avalanche in an area known as High Trail Cliffs. The avalanche, classified as a Persistent Slab, broke at the ground across multiple terrain features, removing the entire season’s snowpack in some locations.
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High Trail Cliffs is a series of steep, rocky, northwest-facing avalanche paths that are easily accessible from the summit parking area at Berthoud Pass. According to CAIC, the avalanche was rated R3D2.5, meaning it was large enough to bury, injure, or kill a person and had a significant impact relative to the size of the path.
Further details, including how the victim was recovered, have not yet been released. CAIC is expected to publish a final report on the incident in the coming days.
This fatality adds to a deadly winter in Colorado, where backcountry conditions have been particularly hazardous due to a weak snowpack structure. Avalanche experts continue to urge caution, especially in areas with persistent slab problems that can trigger large and destructive slides.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Avalanche Safety Reminders
This incident underscores the dangers of backcountry travel, particularly in steep, avalanche-prone terrain. Here are a few key takeaways:
- Always check avalanche forecasts at Colorado Avalanche Information Center before heading out.
- Carry proper safety equipment, including a beacon, shovel, and probe—and know how to use them.
- Avoid traveling alone whenever possible.
- Be cautious of terrain traps, such as gullies or cliffs, which can increase the severity of an avalanche.
- Consider taking an avalanche safety course to improve decision-making skills in the backcountry.
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