08 January 2023 , 10:03
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Two people have been buried by an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains with one confirmed dead and another missing, it has emerged.
The duo were riding snowmobiles on Mount Epworth, near Winter Park, Colorado, US, when they were swept away by the snow.
A 58-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene and the other rider could not be located, authorities have confirmed.
The avalanche was reported at around 2.15pm local time on Saturday (9pm UK time) and search and rescue teams rushed to the scene.
The deceased man was from northern Colorado, they said.
Mountaineer survives being buried for 20 hours by avalanche in -15C temperatures
Emergency services found the man who died because he had a transceiver which transmits your location if you get lost, the avalanche center said.
But the missing man did not have a device like this so his location is unknown.
The identities of both men are not known at this time.
The duo were riding snowmobiles on Mount Epworth, near Winter Park, Colorado, US (Grand County Search and Rescue)A county coroner is expected to release details on the man who died later today, the Grand County Sheriff's Office said.
The search for the missing man has been halted until the light and weather conditions improve.
Temperatures on the mountain reached about -12C overnight, according to the National Weather Service.
A statement from the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) added: "Our deepest condolences go out to the family and friends of the people involved in this tragic accident."
The search for the missing man has been halted until the light and weather conditions improve (Grand County Search and Rescue)There have been three deaths in Colorado avalanches since December 26, two of which have been in Grand County.
Grand County Sheriff Brett Schroetlin shared: “Unfortunately, this is the second fatal avalanche that we have experienced this season in Grand County.
"Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victims.
Man, 21, killed in avalanche while snowmobiling as he's buried in 5ft of snow
"We encourage those recreating in our backcountry to regularly monitor the conditions and follow the advice of our avalanche professionals at Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).”
An avalanche hit in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado (Getty)Of the 20 people caught in avalanches during the 2021-22 season, seven people died.
Brian Lazar, deputy director of the avalanche center, said last month: "Inside ski area boundaries, we have very dedicated ski patrols and snow safety teams that will work really hard to mitigate threats from avalanches inside ski area boundaries.
"Just on the other side of that rope there is no one doing that work."
Of the 20 people caught in avalanches during the 2021-22 season, seven people died, according to the avalanche center.