Durango backcountry skiers likely triggered fatal avalanche, report says
Durango, Colorado Currently Wed 7% chance of precipitation 2% chance of precipitation
Slide occurred on a steep slope above tree line
Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 10:57 AM Updated: Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020 6:05 PM
Durango backcountry skiers likely triggered fatal avalanche, report says The area where two Durango backcountry skiers were killed by an avalanche. Courtesy of Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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A final report on a fatal avalanche that killed two Durango backcountry skiers last weekend says it appears the skiers likely triggered the slide while climbing up an avalanche path.
A report released Thursday says the pair reached the trailhead around 10 a.m., and then skied about a mile before coming down a slope into Mineral Creek.
Durango backcountry skiers who died were experienced, knowledgeable
Durango, Colorado Fri 70% chance of precipitation
Snowpack conditions presented risks not seen in years
Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 12:12 PM Updated: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 10:10 PM
Durango backcountry skiers who died were experienced, knowledgeable This photograph shows where Durango backcountry skiers Dr. Jeff Paffendorf, 53, and Albert Perry, 55, were caught in an avalanche Saturday. Both men died in the slide near Ophir Pass. Courtesy of Colorado Avalanche Information Center
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Two Durango backcountry skiers who died in an avalanche this past weekend were experienced and intimately familiar with the terrain, but rare and dangerous snowpack conditions presented risks not seen in years.
Durango backcountry skiers who died were experienced, knowledgeable
Durango, Colorado Fri 70% chance of precipitation
Snowpack conditions presented risks not seen in years
Monday, Dec. 21, 2020 12:12 PM Updated: Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2020 10:10 PM
Durango backcountry skiers who died were experienced, knowledgeable This photograph shows where Durango backcountry skiers Dr. Jeff Paffendorf, 53, and Albert Perry, 55, were caught in an avalanche Saturday. Both men died in the slide near Ophir Pass. Courtesy of Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Toggle font size
Loading the English audio player.
Two Durango backcountry skiers who died in an avalanche this past weekend were experienced and intimately familiar with the terrain, but rare and dangerous snowpack conditions presented risks not seen in years.