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New videos: Avalanche that closed I-70 near Copper Mountain caught on multiple smartphones

Snow debris from the March 3 avalanche slide on Interstate 70.
Provided by Summit County Sheriff’s Office

One day after two avalanches struck along Interstate 70 in Summit County’s Ten Mile Canyon, more video of the slides captured on smartphones has emerged.

What’s likely the most dramatic clip shows the second of the two avalanches and came from Shaune Golemon, who decided to go skiing at Copper Mountain and got more snow than he bargained for.

Posted by Shaune Golemon on Monday, March 4, 2019

Another video, this time captured farther removed from the avalanche, caught it racing down down the mountainside. This video was posted on Jacob Easton’s Instagram account before being gobbled up by news outlets across the country.



View this post on Instagram

No big deal, just an avalanche off I-70

A post shared by Jacob Easton (@jeaston44) on

Also, a volunteer with the Summit County Rescue Group was in the canyon Sunday morning when the first avalanche came crashing down the mountain.

He got out his smartphone in time to catch the tail end of the natural event and ensuing aftermath.



We were driving to Glenwood for a vehicle recovery and saw this huge avalanche on I70. 10 mile canyon. Between Frisco and copper. 1st time I ever saw one. Plz share and be safe out there!!

Posted by Brandon Ciullo on Sunday, March 3, 2019

The interstate remained open after the first avalanche hit the canyon on Sunday, but the second closed I-70 for a couple hours before crews could reopen the route.

No one was injured in either avalanche.

Still, avalanche danger remains high and people are urged to use extreme caution if they decide to risk venturing into the backcountry following the weekend’s heavy snowstorms.

And for drivers caught in an avalanche, the Colorado Department of Transportation has these tips:

• Turn off the car because carbon monoxide could be deadly in this situation.

• Stay in the vehicle and call for help.

• Plan ahead and an emergency kit in your car.


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