Colorado’s 20202021 avalanche season deaths

Due to unusual snow conditions in the backcountry, Colorado has had 11 avalanche fatalities this season — three of them this week — and stands to break the record of 12, set in 1993. Over the past 10 years, Colorado has averaged 5.9 avalanche fatalities per season. This is the deadliest season since the winter of 201213, which also saw 11. The lowest fatality counts over the past 10 winters (three deaths) occurred in 2017-18 and 2014-15. This year’s fatalities:

•Dec. 16: a backcountry skier near Ohio Pass, Anthracite Range

•Dec. 19: two backcountry skiers, near Ophir

•Dec. 26: a backcountry skier, Berthoud Pass

•Feb. 1: three backcountry skiers, near Ophir

•Feb. 4: a backcountry skier, East Vail Chutes

•Feb. 14: a backcountry snowboarder, Mount Trelease near Loveland ski area

•Feb. 14: a snowmobiler, near Rollins

Pass

•Feb. 16: a snowmobiler, near Ruby Mountain in Never Summer Range