Accident Report
Kelso Mountain, south of Bakerville - CO
2 backcountry tourers on foot caught and 1 partially buried - not critical. - 2024/12/16
Backcountry Area: Front Range
Status: Final Report
Published: 2025/01/20
Authors: Public Observation - Updated by CAIC Staff
Accident Summary
On December 16, 2024, two hikers triggered a small avalanche on the east face of Kelso Mountain. They were both caught, and one was partially buried. The pair were returning from Gray's Peak and were descending the same route they had taken earlier in the day. The avalanche broke on a weak layer at the ground. It was about 400 to 500 feet wide and the top of the crown was about 200 to 300 vertical feet above the toe of the debris.
CAIC Notes
Report updated by CAIC on January 20, 2025, with more details from the party.
Route Description
Gray's Peak via Stevens Gulch
Avalanche
Caught in an avalanche
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Expand to see more details
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Date | # | Elev | Asp | Type | Trig | SizeR | SizeD | Problem Type | |
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12/16/2024
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1 | >TL | E | HS | AF | R2 | D1.5 | Persistent Slab | ||
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Date, Time & Site
Date and Time
12/16/2024 -
12:00pm
(estimated) Comments
Area Description
Kelso Mountain
Incident
Yes
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Snowpack
Collapsing:
Rumbling