Item: CAUSE OF DEATH IN AVALANCHES IN COLORADO, USA: A 31-YEAR REVIEW
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Title: CAUSE OF DEATH IN AVALANCHES IN COLORADO, USA: A 31-YEAR REVIEW
Proceedings: Proceedings, International Snow Science Workshop, Whistler, BC, Canada, 2026
Authors:
- Spencer Logan [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Denver, CO, USA ]
- Dale Wang [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Denver, CO, USA ]
- Alison Sheets [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Denver, CO, USA ]
- Ethan Greene [ Colorado Avalanche Information Center, Denver, CO, USA ]
Date: 2026-09-28
Abstract: We examined the causes of death for 178 avalanche fatalities in Colorado, USA, between 1995 and 2026. We utilized data from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) database and official records from county coroners, including autopsy when available. Asphyxiation is the primary cause of death, accounting for 65% of fatalities, while trauma accounts for 22%. Annual fatalities showed high volatility without a significant linear trend. There was an increase in the proportional deaths attributed to asphyxiation in the 2016 to 2025 period. We calculated Injury Severity Score (ISS) for 100 cases. Victims assigned trauma as cause of death had significantly higher ISS scores than those who died from asphyxiation. Some victims assigned asphyxiation also exhibited significant traumatic injuries, underscoring the importance of autopsies when possible. We found no significant differences in the cause of death based on activity or avalanche type, suggesting that the asphyxiation-to-trauma ratio is a persistent characteristic of avalanche fatalities in Colorado. Our findings reinforce the continued importance of interventions to reduce the potential for asphyxiation--avoidance, reducing burial depth, and rapid rescue. Serious traumatic injuries among almost a quarter of victims highlight the need for rescuers to be prepared for both burial and complex trauma scenarios. Future research will continue to leverage improved collection methods for non-fatal avalanche injuries to further refine our understanding of these hazards.
Object ID: ISSW2026_P1.12.pdf
DOI: https://doi.org/10.15788/1790098713
Language of Article: English
Presenter(s): Spencer Logan
Keywords: avalanche fatalities, avalanche accidents, asphyxia, trauma
Page Number(s): 416 - 421
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