Sheriff: Five snowboarders killed in Colorado avalanche

GEORGETOWN, Colo. — Authorities say five snowboarders were killed in a backcountry avalanche on Colorado’s Loveland Pass.

Clear Creek County Sheriff Don Krueger said in a statement that six snowboarders were caught in the slide Saturday afternoon. The condition of the lone survivor was not released.

The Colorado Department of Transportation closed a highway as many skiers were headed home from nearby Arapahoe Basin ski resort.

Lisa Clarke Devore, who was headed back to Denver from the resort, told The Associated Press she saw a fire truck and ambulance on the pass, as well two search dogs headed into the area of the slide. She says she saw several ambulances, including one towing snowmobiles, headed toward the pass.

The pass, elevation of 11,990 feet, is popular among backcountry skiers and snowboarders.