A man was killed in an avalanche in Colorado on February 22, 2025.
Nathan Ginn was 50 years old. He was caught in a slide in a zone known as “The Fingers” just east of Berthoud Pass on Mines Peak. His death marks the third life taken by avalanches in Colorado thus far this year.
The Fingers are a set of steep, rocky paths that are easily accessible from the parking area of Berthoud Pass, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said.
Photo: CAIC
“This was a large, persistent slab avalanche that broke at the ground across multiple terrain features. CAIC forecasters will visit the accident site on Sunday, February 23, and will update this report in the coming days,” the report says. “Our deepest condolences go out to the friends and family of the victim and everyone involved in the rescue.”
Friends told Denver 7 News that Ginn was an elementary school art teacher. He was powsurfing when the avalanche struck, a friend said.
"He wasn't snowboarding. He was powsurfing. And I know he's up there right now going 'David, tell them it's powsurfing and not snowboarding,'" Riordon said to Denver 7. "We're, you know, celebrating his life today. And crying about it too... At least he died doing what he loved doing."
There have been 14 avalanche deaths across the country so far this winter, according to avalanche.org. Last winter, there were 16. The leading cause of deaths in National Forests is avalanches.
Photo: CAIC
"The persistent weak layer can cycle through periods of sensitivity from reactive to nonreactive due to changes in weather conditions such as new precipitation, wind loading, strong solar radiation, and/or rapid changes in air temperature," the CAIC said in its report.
It is essential to carry three items when riding in the backcountry: a beacon, a shovel, and an avalanche probe. Learn how to use them. Take avalanche safety courses. Always carry a cell phone with you, and make sure you bring extra layers to keep yourself warm in case of emergency. Never, ever venture into the backcountry alone.
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