Colorado's First Avalanche Fatality Of The Season Reported Near Telluride
Last season, 11 people died from avalanches in Colorado.
This year, the season total just hit 1. The Colorado Avalanche Info Center reported that they "are saddened to report that Colorado's first avalanche fatality of the season occurred yesterday south of the town of Ophir, where a backcountry snowboarder was caught and killed in an avalanche."
The San Miguel County Sheriff identified the man as 67-year-old Peter Harrelson, a longtime resident of the town of Ophir.
The avalanche happened outside the town in an area called Waterfall Creek. Ophir is in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride.
According to friends of Harrelson, people became worried about Peter when he did not return home on Monday, and they went out to the area he went snowboarding in to follow his tracks. When they couldn't locate him, they located officials and a search ensued, lasting until Tuesday morning when his body was found.
The San Miguel County Sheriff's office in Colorado posted their own words about the incident, writing "Thanks to Helitrax for their assistance and all who participated in this difficult mission."
Since the time of posting, the Waterfall Creek area of Ophir, which closed for the SAR mission, is now open.
An update posted at 10:05am explained the mission in more detail, writing that "rescuers located the missing party early this morning, deceased from what is believed to be traumatic injuries suffered in an avalanche."
"San Miguel County Search and Rescue is still operating, so please continue to stay out of the Waterfall Creek area of Ophir for your safety and that of our team. More information will be released once next of kin has been notified."
Sheriff Bill Masters said, "on behalf of all of us at the Sheriff's Office and our Search and Rescue team, I would like to express our condolences to the family and friends of this gentleman. I'd also like to thank our SAR team for their work in this inherently risky mission."
CAIC forecasters came on-scene and will conduct a full accident investigation.
Additionally, the CAIC promises to update the preliminary report as more information becomes available and issue a final report next week.
The preliminary report reads: "a backcountry snowboarder was caught and killed in an avalanche on January 22, 2024, in Waterfall Creek, south of Ophir. The avalanche occurred on a northwest aspect below treeline. Friends reported him overdue that evening. Friends followed his tracks that night but were unable to find the him. Search and rescue teams reached the accident site and recovered the snowboarder’s body on the morning of January 23. Search and rescue efforts were led by the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office and supported by San Miguel Search and Rescue, Helitrax, and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center."
Our thoughts are with Harrelson's family and friends at this time.
Stay safe out there.
Related: One Skier Killed, One Injured By In-Bounds Avalanche At Palisades Tahoe
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