Colorado has sadly reported its first avalanche fatality of the season. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center shared the news of this tragic event, which occurred south of Ophir, where a backcountry snowboarder was caught and tragically lost their life in an avalanche.
The individual was identified by the San Miguel County Sheriff as 67-year-old Peter Harrelson, a well-known Ophir local. The avalanche struck in a region known as Waterfall Creek, located in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride.
Concern grew for Harrelson when he failed to return home on Monday. Friends, knowing his planned snowboarding area, followed his tracks in an attempt to locate him. When they were unable to find him, they alerted the authorities, sparking a search that continued until Tuesday morning when Harrelson’s body was discovered.
The San Miguel County Sheriff’s office expressed their gratitude for the assistance provided by Helitrax and all who participated in the search and recovery efforts. They also urged people to avoid the Waterfall Creek area while the search and rescue operations were ongoing.
An update from the Sheriff’s office confirmed the grim discovery of Harrelson’s body early Tuesday morning, with injuries suggesting an avalanche was the cause. Sheriff Bill Masters extended his deepest condolences to the family and friends of Harrelson and commended the search and rescue team for their bravery and dedication in this risky mission.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) was on-site to conduct a thorough investigation of the accident. They have promised to provide updates and a detailed report in the following week.
The preliminary report from CAIC outlines that Harrelson was caught in an avalanche on January 22, 2024, with search and rescue efforts led by the San Miguel County Sheriff’s Office, supported by San Miguel Search and Rescue, Helitrax, and the CAIC.
Our hearts go out to Peter Harrelson’s loved ones during this difficult time. This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the inherent risks of backcountry activities and the importance of safety precautions in avalanche-prone areas. Stay safe out there.