SUMMIT COUNTY, Colo. — A missing skier was found dead in avalanche debris in Sunday morning, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
The Eagle County Coroner's Office identified him as David Pickett Heaps, 58, from Silverthorne, Colorado.
Heaps was first reported missing Saturday evening in the Boss Basin area near Resolution Creek, south of Ptarmigan Pass.
Rescuers went to the area Sunday morning where they found the avalanche aftermath with ski and snowmobile tracks leading into it, the CAIC said.
The solo backcountry skier triggered the avalanche on a northeast-facing slope near treeline, according to CAIC. The avalanche was about 400 feet wide, ranging from 1 to 3 feet deep.
"The hard slab released on a buried weak layer, stepped down to the ground, and pulled out the entire season’s snowpack," the CAIC said.
Considerable avalanche danger has been reported in the zone where it occurred.
*Editor's note Friday, March 13 at 10:41 a.m.: This story was updated with the skiers identity and details from the full avalanche investigation report.
Denver7 is committed to making a difference in our community by standing up for what's right, listening, lending a helping hand and following through on promises. See that work in action, in the videos above.
