Skiers killed in avalanche near Silverton

The red circle in this photograph shows where 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. Photo courtesy Colorado Avalanche Information Center

News

By Mike Wiggins, on December 24, 2020

Avalanche forecasters are urging people heading into the backcountry to use extreme caution and pay attention to forecasts after two experienced backcountry skiers from Durango were killed in an avalanche last weekend near Ophir Pass.

San Juan County search and rescue crews on Sunday recovered the bodies of Dr. Jeff Paffendorf, 53, and Albert Perry 55, from a popular backcountry skiing area northwest of Silverton.

The two skiers were reported missing Saturday evening after they planned to ski in a...

Main, News...

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Remote-triggered avalanche in San Juan Mountains

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