An experienced ski instructor became the first avalanche fatality n Colorado Monday when he was killed on groomed slopes at Wolf Creek Ski area in south-central Colorado, local media reported.
Scott Kay lost his life while working to prevent avalanches at the ski area after a 13-inch snowfall the night before, according to a report in the Denver Post. The ski area closed at mid-morning and refunded lift tickets to its customers.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) had designated several areas in southwest Colorado from Glenwood south to Durango as high risk for avalanches as of Tuesday morning.
So far this season, one skier, one snowboarder and one other victim have been killed by avalanches in Colorado, according to the CAIC. There were eight avalanche fatalities in Colorado during the 2009-10 ski season.
Since 1950, avalanches have killed 19 ski patrollers in the US. Eight of those fatalities occurred in Colorado, according to the CAIC.
