Man survives over an hour buried under avalanche in Colorado

In Colorado's high country, a distressing incident occurred as two snowmobilers became victims of an avalanche near Vail Pass. The avalanche buried one of the snowmobilers late in the day after an accumulation of snowfall and wind over the weekend. The incident happened around noon when the two individuals were riding on Shrine Mountain. One man became trapped, while the other frantically attempted to locate him using an avalanche rescue transceiver. Unfortunately, he couldn't get a signal, prompting a call to 911 for help, which quickly mobilized local rescue teams. First responders from Summit County, including deputies and members of the Summit County Rescue Group, immediately arrived at the scene. Remarkably, rescuers managed to spot the trapped rider's deployed avalanche airbag as they surveyed the debris field, providing a crucial clue to his location. This discovery enabled them to search effectively through the snow, even though the buried man may have been located without traditional beacon signals. The ongoing efforts demonstrated a strong sense of teamwork and resilience among the rescue team as they worked against the time. After 65 minutes of intense searching, the rescuers finally uncovered the trapped rider from the snow. The mission coordinator, Matt Parker, expressed jubilation upon realizing they had recovered a live person who was able to talk. Despite being very cold, the snowmobiler's choice of gear, which prevented snow from blocking his airway, played a significant role in his survival. This aspect impressed rescuers, as timely aid and the right equipment often dictate the outcome of such dire situations. The efficient response of the rescue team was crucial, showcasing their expertise and commitment to saving lives. Upon being rescued, the man was evaluated and taken to a hospital for further checks. His survival against the odds stands as a testament to the impeccable work done by first responders in avalanche responses. It is noteworthy that while such successful outcomes are exceptional, they are not commonplace. Therefore, the event underscores the importance of avalanche safety awareness and preparation. The rescued snowmobiler’s condition indicated he was doing well, a relief for the rescue teams involved in the incident.