Abstract: At approximately 10:45 a.m. on December 24, 2012, Employee #1 and two coworkers were on avalanche control and tossed hand charges in new locations higher up the mountain than normal due to a heavier snow accumulation. Employee #1 and his coworkers spaced themselves about 50 feet apart down the mountain. The two higher crewmembers ignited charges simultaneously set the charges, thinking they were in a safe location, and did not seek a position behind a pre-selected terrain barrier. The blasts broke off a large slab with the fracture cutting across and behind Employee #1 catching him in the avalanche. Employee #1 traveled several hundred ft over the edge and down the gully before hitting trees and getting buried. Employee #1 was found within minutes, dug out, but was unconscious, with no pulse, multiple head, spine, and lung injuries. The team began CPR on him, then he was air lifted to a local medical center, where he died six hours later.