Former Ouray Mountain Rescue Team Member Don Moden Jr. Found Buried After Colorado Avalanche

The tight-knit community of backcountry skiers and rescuers in Ouray County, Colorado, is mourning the loss of one of their own. Don Moden Jr., a seasoned backcountry skier and former member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team (OMRT), tragically lost his life in an avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3 near Red Mountain Pass on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. The heartbreaking discovery was made by his wife, who courageously located and recovered his body from beneath the heavy snow.

A Wife’s Desperate Search Leads to a Tragic Discovery

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) released a detailed report on the incident, outlining the sequence of events leading to the tragic discovery. Moden Jr. was enjoying a solo backcountry skiing trip, a pursuit he was deeply passionate about and experienced in. When he failed to check in with his wife as planned, she immediately sensed something was wrong. Knowing his intended route, she contacted the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office to report him overdue and then bravely ventured out on her own to search for him.

Equipped with snowshoes and an avalanche transceiver, a device used to locate individuals buried in the snow, Moden Jr.’s wife made her way to the slope he had planned to ski. Upon arriving, she saw clear evidence of a recent avalanche. Turning on her transceiver, she quickly acquired a signal, indicating a buried individual approximately 56 meters away. Using her transceiver and an avalanche probe, a long rod used to pinpoint the exact location of a buried person, she was able to locate her husband buried beneath approximately three feet of snow.

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Aerial view of Red Mountain Number 3 where the avalanche occurred. (Credit: CAIC)

She immediately began digging frantically, calling out for help. Fortunately, other backcountry skiers in the area heard her cries and rushed to assist. Shortly after, members of the OMRT arrived, providing medical care and transporting Moden Jr. to the highway. Despite their best efforts, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Avalanche Details and Safety Concerns Highlighted in CAIC Report

The CAIC report provides a thorough analysis of the avalanche itself. The avalanche was estimated to be 800 feet wide, with a crown face (the upper fracture line of the avalanche) ranging from three to six feet high. The avalanche ran 400 vertical feet down a gully below the ridgeline. Evidence suggests Moden Jr. was descending the slope when the avalanche occurred. He was equipped with an avalanche transceiver and an airbag backpack designed to help keep a person on the surface of an avalanche. However, the airbag was not deployed.

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Looking down from the crown of the avalanche on Red Mountain Number 3. (Credit: CAIC)

The report notes that Moden Jr. was an experienced backcountry skier with 16 years of experience on Red Mountain Pass and was familiar with the terrain on Red Mountain Number 3. He had chosen his route based on his knowledge of the area and the snowpack conditions. This tragic incident underscores the inherent risks associated with backcountry skiing, even for the most experienced individuals.

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Remembering Don Moden Jr.: A Dedicated Rescuer and Friend

The OMRT paid tribute to Moden Jr. on their Facebook page, remembering him as a dedicated team member from 2010 to 2017. He served as the team’s Equipment Officer, demonstrating exceptional backcountry skills, athleticism, and meticulous attention to detail. His contributions to the team and the wider community were significant and lasting. “Affectionately known as ‘The Don,’ he left an indelible mark on our team, not only through his expertise but also through the camaraderie and friendship he brought to every mission,” the tribute stated.

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Aerial view of the avalanche debris field on Red Mountain Number 3. (Credit: CAIC)

Backcountry Skiing Safety: A Critical Reminder

This tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of avalanche safety and awareness. While backcountry skiing offers incredible rewards, it comes with significant risks. The CAIC emphasizes the importance of traveling in groups, carrying appropriate safety equipment, and obtaining thorough avalanche education and training. Even with experience and preparation, avalanches are unpredictable natural events that can have devastating consequences.

Solo Backcountry Skiing Statistics and Safety Recommendations

The CAIC report highlights a concerning statistic: between October 1, 2020, and January 7, 2025, solo backcountry travelers accounted for 18 percent of avalanche fatalities in Colorado. This underscores the increased risk associated with solo travel in the backcountry. While acknowledging that solo travel is a personal choice, the CAIC strongly recommends backcountry skiing with a partner or group. A well-equipped group employing safe travel protocols has a greater chance of successfully rescuing a member if an avalanche occurs.

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View from the toe (bottom) of the avalanche looking back up the slope. (Credit: CAIC)

The loss of Don Moden Jr. is a profound loss to the backcountry skiing community and a stark reminder of the ever-present dangers of the mountains. His legacy will continue to inspire both seasoned and aspiring backcountry skiers to prioritize safety and to remember the importance of camaraderie and preparedness in the face of unpredictable natural forces. The OMRT and the broader community will forever cherish his memory and the contributions he made during his time with the team.