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Avalanche Death: Skier Killed During AIARE 2 Course Identified

senator beck basin avalanche deathThe site of the Upper Senator Beck Basin avalanche; photo by CAIC
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More details emerge after an avalanche fatality that took place January 5 near Red Mountain Pass in southern Colorado.

A skier who died in an avalanche Saturday on Senator Beck Basin near Red Mountain Pass was taking a course on avalanche safety in backcountry terrain.

Peter Marshall, 40, was taking part in an AIARE 2 course (American Institute of Avalanche Research and Education), according to the Durango Herald. Silverton Avalanche School led the course and made an announcement about the accident today.

Skier Killed By Avalanche During Safety Course in Colorado

Two avalanches engulfed six backcountry skiers in Upper Senator Beck Basin, killing one. Read more…

It’s the first avalanche fatality for Silverton Avalanche School, a nonprofit avalanche educational organization that began in 1962. The event also marks the first avalanche fatality in Colorado this season.

A resident of Longmont, Colo., Marshall was buried under at least eight feet of snow. After digging Marshall out, fellow skiers attempted to revive him but were unsuccessful.

Ethan Greene, director of the CAIC, is leading an investigation into the incident. The CAIC said it will release an in-depth report about the avalanche within roughly one week.

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