PITKIN COUNTY, Colo. — A missing snowmobiler was found safe after experiencing mechanical issues with his machine near Independence Pass on Saturday, the Pitkin County Sheriff’s Office said.
The snowmobiler was reported missing at 4 p.m. and his vehicle was located at the trailhead. A team of four Mountain Rescue Aspen members took to snowmobiles and found the missing snowmobiler with his disabled snow machine about 10:20 p.m.
The sheriff’s office said it’s a good reminder that anyone using the backcountry should be fully prepared to spend the night in the wilderness unexpectedly.
The avalanche threat is high in the state.
February had little snowfall, when warm temperatures and a crusted layer of snow developed. March has had heavy snow that now sits on that firm layer from February. The result is it’s easy to create slabs to break free and create an avalanche.
On Friday, a skier triggered a slide on Berthoud Pass. He was buried up to his waist and suffered minor injuries.
There has been 14 avalanche-related incidents this season, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
Of those, four fatalities have been fatalities. Two were snowmobilers, one was a snow biker and was one climber.