RED MOUNTAIN PASS, COLORADO — A backcountry skier died on January 7 after being caught and buried in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3, east of Red Mountain Pass, in an area locally known as Bollywood. This tragedy marks Colorado’s first avalanche fatality of the 2024-2025 winter season.
The victim, identified as 57-year-old Donald “Don” Moden Jr. of Ridgway, was a seasoned climber and skier and a former member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, according to the Ouray County Coroner’s Office. The avalanche occurred on a northwest-facing slope at approximately 11,300 feet, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC). The slope was categorized as a persistent slab avalanche, with moderate (level 2 of 5) avalanche risk at the time.
CAIC forecasters inspected the site on January 8 and confirmed that the slide was a size R2/D2 avalanche, large enough to bury or kill a person. Preliminary reports indicate that Moden was skiing alone when the avalanche was triggered.
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A Community in Mourning
Moden’s death has reverberated through the tight-knit backcountry skiing and climbing community in southwestern Colorado. A respected outdoorsman and former rescuer, his loss highlights the inherent risks of backcountry recreation, even for those with extensive experience.
“We’ve had pretty dangerous avalanche conditions this winter,” said CAIC Director Ethan Greene. “Although this accident is tragic, we made it a long time through that dangerous period before having such an incident.”
Recent Avalanche Trends in Colorado
This fatality comes amid an active avalanche season. As of January 7, 22 people have been caught in avalanches in Colorado this winter, six of whom were buried but survived, according to CAIC data. Just days earlier, on January 5, a snowshoer survived a burial near Red Mountain Pass, underscoring the unpredictable nature of current snowpack conditions.
The region has a history of avalanche incidents. This latest event occurred on the second anniversary of a 2023 avalanche near the same pass that claimed the lives of two snowmobilers. Survivors and families of past victims have expressed solidarity with Moden’s loved ones.
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
- Always check the CAIC avalanche forecast (https://avalanche.state.co.us) before venturing into the backcountry.
- Carry essential avalanche safety gear, including a beacon, probe, and shovel, and know how to use them.
- Travel with a partner, maintain visual contact, and communicate effectively.
- Take an avalanche safety course to learn how to identify and mitigate risks.
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