There’s no expected release date for a review of an avalanche accident on New Year’s Day next to Aspen Mountain. The slide injured a ski guide with Aspen Mountain Powder Tours while he was making turns with clients.The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says its report on the accident isn’t like most, because the review was requested by a private company, rather than the CAIC trying to figure out what happened during a backcountry accident.
CAIC’s Director Ethan Greene tells Aspen Public Radio those less organized backcountry trips, and fatal accidents, have more potential for public education. Also, CAIC forecasters do not have the enforcement powers to require a review-- or mandate avalanche prevention changes-- when private companies are involved in a slide. For that to happen, the accident must take place on Forest Service land and the agency must request CAIC’s assistance.
