13 U.S. Avalanche Deaths Recorded During 23/24 Winter

Data from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center shows this winter saw 13 avalanche fatalities in the U.S. That number is down significantly from the 2022/2023 winter (30) as well as falling below the 20-year average for the nation (26.2).

One of those deaths happened inbounds — a slide that took place on the slopes of Palisades Tahoe back in January beneath the iconic K22 chair. Jeremy Jones shared a firsthand account of that day as he was on the mountain riding with his son. His son, Cass was one of the first on the scene and helped with the rescue. Another was an avalanche forecaster for the Wallowa Avalanche Center in Eastern Oregon. Nick Burks died in a slide in Gunsight Couloir near Anthony Lakes Sk Resort.

Seven skiers, two snowboarders, three snowmobilers, and one other person were among the total fatalities on the CAIC list from this season. Skiers and snowmobilers typically account for a bulk of avalanche-related deaths in the U.S.

The 2020-2021 winter saw the most avalanche deaths in the United States with 37 total. Seventeen of those were skiers. On the other end of the spectrum, the 1990 and 1991 winters were the last years there were fewer than 10 avalanche deaths, according to Statista.

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