Five killed in Loveland Pass Avalanche

[coloradokevin]

Such a sad situation in an area that so many of us frequent throughout the winter. I have to admit that when I first heard about a very deadly avalanche in the Loveland side-country the cynical side of me automatically took the wrong attitude in thinking: 'it was bound to happen eventually with all of those kids running around up there without avy equipment, and no idea what they're doing in the backcountry' (we've all seen that).

The sad reality is that we now KNOW that this was a very experienced and capable group of backcountry travelers. It's a tragic reminder that we're always walking that tightrope to some degree in the mountains. The situation hits close to home in the sense that I know some friends of mine knew these people, even if I'm pretty sure I didn't know any of them myself.

[Cruiser]

The pics of that deposition zone are pretty sobering. Anyone who ended up in that twisted mess of ice would have been in a very bad spot. The pics of the recent slide at Vail are similarly frightening. I was out yesterday snowmobiling with my son and the state of the snowpack is a total mess. We dug a ~5' deep pit in a spot where the snow was almost 8' deep. All the new snow we've gotten over the last week is sitting on a really firm layer about 3' down and that layer is supported by nothing but feet and feet of depth hoar. It was really impressive. There is still plenty of fun to be had in the backcountry right now, but boy oh boy do you have to be cautious.

[JTOlson26]

So sad. My prayers are with the families.

[tlongpine]

The Denver Post is reporting that victims were participating the Rocky Mountain High Backcountry Bash to raise money for the CAIC.

In the wake of this tragedy I can't think of any better way to honor their memories than to make a donation to CAIC.

https://avalanche.state.co.us/pub/supporters_about.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dan_Suitor]

Very sad indeed. My condolences to the families and friends of all who passed.

Sounds like the original article of the sole survivor flagging down a car was totally inaccurate. According to the Denver Post article, even the survivor was buried for an hour and had to be dug out by one of the rescuers.

[rickinco123]

It seems all of these questions are answered here.

Wow! Everyone look at the picture of the crown. It looks really low angle near that crown! I was wondering how 6 experienced people could all get trapped together, that picture is worth a thousand words! Look at the picture of that crown and burn it in your memory, don't take anything for granted out there!

As a father myself, the picture of Ian with his baby in that story is almost too much to bear. If anyone knows of a fund for the family please post up.

[GregMiller]

FOBP posted a link to a fund for Ian's family to their Facebook page:

http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/391630/fblk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[TaylorHolt]

This month SUCKS. I lose a best friend on April 11, and now this. I am so sorry to all of the families of victims in this avalanche. But this occasion hurts me a little too close to home. I knew one of the victims. The names have officially been released:

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/lo ... ied-sunday

Rick Gaukel was the instructor who first taught me how to rock climb and rappel. I took a class in Estes Park while I was going to CSU. We were a class of about a dozen, with two CSU instructors, and Rick was our guide. We camped on the edge of Rocky Mountain National Park. He was the first person in my life who was willing to talk me through my fear of climbing outdoors. I can remember shaking as he calmly told me I had nothing to worry about and convinced me to try rappelling for the first time. I can remember his smile, his eyes. He was so kind, and the type of person to give you the snowshoes off his feet so you didn't have to post-hole! He knew what he was doing in the backcountry, which is what makes this incident especially hard to understand. Rick was the reason I got into climbing 14ers... He led our group to Twin Sisters in May of 2011 and I was eager to try more hiking up high after that.

My deepest condolences to all friends and family. I am so very sorry. This is heartbreaking.

Rick was one of my instructors for my AIARE Level 1 class earlier this year. I'll echo your sentiments. He truly loved what he did. Prayers and condolences to the families affected.

[peter303]

Detailed first person story here:
http://blogs.denverpost.com/sports/2013 ... ead/24485/

[hotrod]

Chilling....

[dubsho3000]

It seems all of these questions are answered here.

Wow! Everyone look at the picture of the crown. It looks really low angle near that crown! I was wondering how 6 experienced people could all get trapped together, that picture is worth a thousand words! Look at the picture of that crown and burn it in your memory, don't take anything for granted out there!

I think the picture is taken at an angle. Look at how the people at standing. Even still, I wonder what the angle was at the crown - it doesn't look too steep, that's for sure.

[geojed]

Here's the CalTopo slope angle map for the slide area. It looks like the release was right in the Red-Orange 32-45deg area on the topo map.