6 Hikers Caught In Avalanche And Rock Slide On Torreys Peak

CLEAR CREEK COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - The Clear Creek County Sheriff's Office responded to a report of an avalanche on Torreys Peak Sunday morning. They say they received a report at around 9 a.m. of six hikers caught in it, and four of them possibly suffering serious injuries.

The slide occurred just before 9 a.m. in a chute called Dead Dog Couloir, a popular Front Range snow climbing site, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center's summary of the incident.

Sheriff's deputies, Alpine Rescue Team, Summit County Rescue Group and Clear Creek Emergency Medical Services all responded.

Two Flight for Life helicopters dropped the teams in, and all six hikers were found and suffered minor injuries.

Officials tells CBS4 while all hikers were caught, four of them rode out the slide into a rock field. They were also able to evacuate themselves.

The sheriff's office says it's not clear if the hikers were on the trail.

"You've got to be prepared for any conditions when you come into the backcountry," said Clear Creek County Undersheriff Bruce Snelling.

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center tells CBS4 it sounds to be more of a rock slide than an avalanche, but snow is still present on the mountains. CAIC says warmer temperatures are loosening the rock and snow making for treacherous conditions.

"Anywhere there's snow, there's potential for an avalanche," said Ethan Greene, Director at CAIC. "If you're heading into alpine areas there's loose rock and loose snow. It's beautiful weather, but you have to be careful."