Avalanches are the deadliest weather-related natural event in Colorado. And while most occur in the backcountry, avalanches also pose a major threat to the state’s roads in the Rocky Mountains. FOX Weather’s Max Gorden traveled to the Centennial State to see how meteorologists predict these natural disasters.

SALIDA, Colorado. – Office meetings likely had some awkward moments at a Colorado company after 15 colleagues attended an office retreat to climb Mt. Shavano, only to return with just 14.

According to Chaffee County Search & Rescue, the group of 15 people left a trailhead at dawn on August 23. Some of the group attempted to climb the mountain, while others hiked to a lower elevation.

But one of the climbers on the summit stayed behind to complete his final attempt alone. He reached the top around 11:30 a.m. but became disoriented during his descent, rescuers said. Worse, gear left behind to mark the descent had been taken by the rest of the group.

Search teams rescue a missing hiker on Mt. Shavano.

(Teller County Search and Rescue)

On his first descent he got stuck in a steep rock field, so he texted his colleagues his position for navigational help. The colleagues informed him that he was on the wrong route and that he should climb back to the ridge and try again.

More than four hours later, as he approached the ridge, he texted his colleagues for navigational help, but was caught in a violent storm that battered the ridge with sleet and high winds. The hiker became disoriented again and lost his mobile signal.

Search teams attempt to locate a missing hiker on Mt. Shavano.

(Chaffee County Search and Rescue)

Search crews received a call for help at 9 p.m. and quickly assembled rescue teams and a drone pilot, rescuers said. However, persistent icy conditions and strong winds hampered the search.

But the search continued through the night and into the next morning, when the hiker regained reception and called 911. He said he was now stuck in a ravine and had fallen about 20 times trying to descend the steep terrain. The last fall left him unable to continue.

Mount Shavano in Colorado

(Teller County Search and Rescue)

With the hiker now well-located, a rescue team reached the scene and used technical rope maneuvers to eventually bring him to safety. The man was flown by helicopter to a local hospital for evaluation.

According to rescuers, the man was extremely lucky to have regained access to his mobile phone and to be conscious enough to call 911. Otherwise, it would have taken a while before the area was searched.