A 58-year-old man has been killed and another is missing after they were struck by an avalanche in the Rocky Mountains on Saturday, authorities in Colorado have confirmed.
The duo were riding snowmobiles on Mount Epworth, near Winter Park, Colorado, US, when they were swept away by the snow.
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.
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 unknown yet.
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.’
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.
‘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).’
