Avalanche 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 2012-13, 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. 18: Backcountry skier near Ohio Pass, Anthracite Range, identified by Gunnison Country Times as Jeff Schneider of Crested Butte

Dec. 19: Two backcountry skiers near Ophir, identified by The Associated Press as Albert Perry, 55, and Jeff Paffendorf, 51, both of Durango

Dec. 26: Backcountry skier, Berthoud Pass, identified in numerous news reports as Darius Krol of Boulder, 57

Feb. 1: Three backcountry skiers, near Ophir, identified by Colorado Sun as Seth Bossung, 52, Andy Jessen, 40, and Adam Palmer, 49, of Eagle

Feb. 4: Backcountry skier, East Vail Chutes, identified by Vail Daily as John Kuo of Vail, 41

Feb. 14: Backcountry snowboarder, Mount Trelease near Loveland Ski Area, identified in numerous news reports as David Heide, 57, of St. Mary’s

Feb. 14: Snowmobiler, near Rollins Pass, identified in numerous news reports as 58year-old Michael Westall of Parker

Feb. 16: Snowmobiler, near Ruby Mountain in Never Summer Range, not yet identified