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The north side of Battleship near Ophir Pass. The red circle indicates where the two skiers’ bodies were found. Photo: CAIC
There is a multitude of factors that can lead to avalanche conditions. Heavy, early-season snows without a strong base are one of them, and that’s exactly what’s going on in Colorado right now. Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) reported on Facebook that since Friday, 108 human-triggered avalanches occurred, calling the current conditions “the weakest snowpack we’ve seen since 2012. People need to recognize that we have unusual conditions and their usual practices may not keep them out of harm’s way. As we gain more snow in the coming weeks, avalanches could become even more dangerous.”
Experts issue warning after 3 killed in Colorado avalanches
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Experts Issue Warning After Three Killed in CO Avalanches
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December 21, 2020 - 12:40 PM
DENVER - The deaths of three people in two Colorado avalanches since Friday have experts warning those headed to the mountainous backcountry to be careful and pay attention to forecasts.
A rescue team on Sunday recovered the bodies of two skiers caught in an avalanche a day earlier near Ophir Pass in southwestern Colorado s San Juan Mountains, the San Juan County Office of Emergency Management said.
Albert Perry, 55, and Dr. Jeff Paffendorf, 51, both of nearby Durango, were reported missing after heading out for a ski trip north of Silverton, a former mining town and recreational hub nestled in the mountains, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The bodies of two backcountry skiers were found in avalanche debris near Silverton on Saturday.
The skiers were reported overdue and later found dead in an area known as “the Battleship,” which is southeast of Ophir Pass.
“In the dark from a helicopter, rescuers could see a large avalanche and ski tracks,” the Colorado Avalanche Information Center said in a preliminary report on the slide. “The two skiers were later found buried in the avalanche debris.”
The San Juan County Office of Emergency Management said an operation to recover the bodies was underway Sunday. The victims were identified as 55-year-old Albert Perry and 51-year-old Dr. Jeff Paffendorf. Both were from Durango.