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2 Backcountry Skiers Killed In San Juan County Avalanche

SAN JUAN COUNTY, Colo. (CBS4) - Search and rescue teams in San Juan County say two skiers died in an avalanche on Dec. 19. On Sunday, the team worked to recover their bodies from a backcountry area near Ophir Pass.

SKI DEATHS 2 (SAN JAUN COUNTY SAR)
(credit: San Juan County Search and Rescue)

Crews first found the skiers north of Silverton near an area known as Battleship on Saturday, but had to delay the mission because of dangerous conditions and avalanche danger.

The community is asked to avoid the parking area and areas along Highway 550 to help give crews room to work.

SKI DEATHS 3 (SAN JAUN COUNTY SAR)
(credit: San Juan County Search and Rescue)

Details about the skiers were not released, nor were details about the avalanche.

SKI DEATHS (SAN JAUN COUNTY SAR)
(credit: San Juan County Search and Rescue)
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