He is now back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016. Investigators do not believe, however, that foul play was involved. After a search and rescue team ventured down the mountainside. Here's what Sen. Mike Lee caught on camera. Jake Brakes (or compression brakes) can be a useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck. The most trusted source for local news and information about Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, Colorado, Pirate basketball team to host playoff action Wednesday, Lady Pirates to play in Loveland Tuesday, Pirate basketball teams will begin postseason action this week, Wes Lewis logs 300th varsity coaching win, Spiritual experiences group to host event about HU, St. Patricks celebrates rectors 10th anniversary as a priest, Great Backyard Bird Count to kick off Friday, Registration open for youth volleyball leagues, What a long, strange trip to kill four dams. Are there public access areas on the pass route? On January 23, 1993, a lift accident occurred on the Treasure chair. *Truck drivers should inspect their brakes at the summit, before descending the eight mile trip down the pass. This is about an injury or accident Something else? only for your personal, non-commercial use. The man was riding westbound on state Route 35 about. According to the PFPD press release, The first arriving engine company set up steep angle rope rigging to allow safe access to vehicle and occupants. The crash investigation being conducted by the Colorado State Patrol is still considered open and active, CBI said in a statement. Wolf Creek Pass is located in southern Colorado, on US Hwy 160, to the west of the Wolf Creek Ski Area. No drugs/alcohol are suspected, CSP said. supports HTML5 video. Attempt to stay in the center of the ramp to avoid any risk of rolling over. York says Hardaway's medical insurance had lapsed "due to hardship caused by the pandemic" and he won't be able to work for several months. If a trucks brakes fail due to overheating or excessive use going downhill, runaway ramps are the only way the truck will be able to stop.. Mailing address: Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa; Penitente Canyon; Wheeler Geological Area; The Great Sand Dunes; Do More. MINERAL COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- One person is dead after an early-morning crash on Christmas Day in Mineral County at the bottom of Wolfcreek pass. Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. The report explains the deceased passenger was partially ejected and an infant was fully ejected. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene, the UHP said. But all things considered, he considers himself lucky to be among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass. He was taken to the hospital in Pagosa Springs and eventually to Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs, Lewis said. "From 2015 to 2019, there have been 47 semi-truck crashes on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass. This will cause overheating and possible loss of the brake system. According to previous reports, Mizells phone last pinged around 1 p.m. Jan 2 off a tower about 30 miles north of Dulce, New Mexico, which would be about 20 miles south from where her remains and vehicle were found on Wolf Creek Pass. Please explain. GRANTS PASS, Ore-- In just the last several minutes, NewsWatch 12 has learned of a multi-vehicle crash on I-5 along milepost 73 just before Wolf Creek where several people have been injured. Monday through Friday. High Peaks Media shared dash cam video captured by a truck driver showing the crash as well as the aftermath. A 36-year-old Durango man survived driving off Wolf Creek Pass, rolling 700 feet down a steep mountainside and spending a night injured in the backcountry before being rescued last week. The driver of Vehicle #1 lost control of the vehicle and began to rotate counterclockwise. It rolled to the bottom of the canyon for several hundred feet coming to final rest in Wolf Creek on its roof, the report states. *The posted speed limit for traffic traveling westbound, downhill from the summit varies from 25 to 45 MPH. Hardaway's friend, Cass York, set up a GoFundMe for him, to help with his medical bills and living expenses while he continues to heal. Wolf Creek Ski Area; Snowmobiling; Nordic Ski / Snowshoe; Ice Fish; Sled, Skate & Hockey; A Trip to Powder . Contests & Promotions, 2023, Pikes Peak Television, Inc. Colorado Springs, CO, USA, On the Lookout: Suspect vehicle tied to homicide, Investigation underway following shooting with armed suspect, El Paso Co. Sheriffs deputy, Vanessa Bryant reaches nearly $29 million settlement with Los Angeles County in lawsuit over Kobe Bryant crash photos, Elecciones Argentina 2023: los principales candidatos a presidente, jefe de gobierno porteo y gobernaciones, Accidente de trenes en Grecia deja al menos 38 muertos y decenas de heridos. The WEST side of Wolf Creek Pass will be closed until CDOT (Colorado Dept. Both are incline ramps. Maintain a low speed, in low gear. 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. Latest storm: 52 inches of snow Wolf Creek Ski Area Snow Report Jan. 18, 6 a.m. Wolf Creek Ski Area Snow Report Monday, Jan. 2, 6 a.m. Breakfast with Balloons to be aColorFest highlight Saturday morning, Avalanche victims identified as area residents, Snowmobilers body recovered near La Managa Pass after being caught, buried in avalanche, Colorado Avalanche Information Center reports ongoing search and rescue, two other avalanche incidents, Two men killed in avalanche near Vallecito, Wolf Creek Pass remains closed Friday morning, ski area reports 42 inches of snow from storm, One Pill Can Kill: Sheriff urges fentanyl awareness. It was scary.. 10,857 ft.) is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Hardaway told the Durango Herald he suffered compound fractures, injuries to his spine and a concussion in the crash. or superseded by additional information. A tow truck is en route to a truck crash that has blocked both northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Wolf Creek. According to an incident report from the Colorado State Patrol (CSP), the accident occurred at 2:18 p.m. at milepost 159.8 on Wolf Creek Pass, which a press release from the Pagosa Fire Protection District (PFPD) notes is near the overlook pullout. These emergency escape ramps are located on the right side of the road and preceded by warning signs at each location. "By some miracle, Will is at home and able to walk a little," Cass York stated. Spurs snap 16-game losing streak by topping uninspired Jazz, Man arrested in connection with fatal shooting now accused of child rape, Supreme Court seems ready to reject student loan forgiveness, Protesters disrupt Senate hearing on ERA. We make a great team, PFPD Chief Randy Larson said via the press release. The man was riding westbound on state Route 35 about 15 miles east of Francis when he drifted into oncoming traffic at about 2:15 p.m., according to the Utah Highway Patrol. The PFPD press release noted the vehicle was approximately 250 feet down the embankment. The daughters said a vigil was planned for Tuesday, which would have been her 50th birthday. Runaway Ramp, MP 161 approximately 6 miles from the pass summit. A tractor-trailer driver ended up dumping 42,100 pounds of canned Bud Light and energy drinks last week when his brakes went out just past the top of Wolf Creek Pass. Wolf Creek. When troopers arrived, the release . Drivers heading down the pass face a steep slope and then a hairpin turn. The pass is significantly steep on either side (6.8% maximum grade) and can be dangerous in winter. Sign up for our daily email newsletter or to receive breaking news delivered to your inbox: Choose from several print and digital subscription packages, 2023 Durango Herald | While driving along a curve the vehicle began to spin. This was a truly horrific scene in Southwestern Colorado in late September of 2021. During the 1978-1979 snow year, Wolf Creek Ski Area saw 807 inches of snow, which happens to be the record for the most snowfall ever fallen in one season in Colorado. Speed and brake failure possible factors in Wolf Creek Pass crash that Truck driver killed in accident while delivering load of lumber, Semi truck driver cited following collision with Amtrak passenger train, Big rig crash spills more than 1000 cans of Bushs Baked Beans. *Truck drivers should inspect their brakes at the summit, before descending the eight mile trip down the pass. WOLF CREEK- According to reports from Colorado State Patrol a semi wreck on Wolf Creek Pass claimed the life of a 30-year old from Florida on Saturday. 11955 ft) Last Update: 3:47 am MST Feb 27, 2023. The vehicle approached a sharp left curve and steered right, impacting a cement barrier and down the embankment, hitting several trees, and breaking the tractor. On Tuesday KEZI learned that Oregon State Police suspect McVay was driving under the influence of alcohol. Jake Brakes (or compression brakes) can be a useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck. There is NO fee, penalty, or fine for using runaway truck ramps. Forecast Valid: 7am MST Feb 27, 2023-6pm MST Mar 5, 2023. Under the control of the Wolf Creek Development Corporation, the . According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol report, the . Mr. Podzic was ejected during this sequence.. It is the route through which U.S. Highway 160 passes from the San Luis Valley into southwest Colorado on its way to New Mexico and Arizona. Terms of Use As the truck approaches the runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned. Two people were injured when their vehicle went down an embankment on Wolf Creek Pass early Saturday morning. Side-by-Side UTV Rentals Rentals from $600.00 per group (up to 4) The area Top of Wolf Creek Pass U.S. Hwy 160 E, Pagosa Springs, CO 81147 Contribute Write a review Upload a photo Detailed Reviews 4.5 811 reviews Excellent 566 Very good 171 Average 42 Poor 20 Terrible 12 Andrew C Opelika, AL15 contributions Wolf Creek Ski Resort makes memories Hardaway said he spent two days in the intensive care unit, and was discharged Friday. Note: This is your last chance to use a runaway ramp. Morning Forecast FRANCIS, Summit County A 26-year-old motorcyclist died Sunday in a head-on crash in the Wolf Creek Pass area of the Uinta Mountains. Other southwest/south-central Colorado passes include: US 550 Red Mountain, Molas and Coal Bank Passes; Colorado Highway (CO) 145 Lizard Head Pass; CO 17 La Manga-Cumbres Pass; and US 50 Monarch Pass. Wolf Creek's Annual Pre-Season Pass Sale was Saturday, October 1st thru Sunday, October 9th, 2022. Nov 7, 2020 Driver Survives After Truck Plunges Off Wolf Creek Pass, Rolls 700 Feet Down Mountainside The driver was seriously hurt -- and wasn't rescued until the next morning, after someone. In an interview with The Durango Herald last week, South Fork Police Chief Hank Weber confirmed the car found off Wolf Creek Pass was Mizells, but he too declined to identify the woman. Lewis said the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Keywords: truckers, trucker, truck, semi, semi truck, semi-truck, colorado, pagosa springs, wrecks, accidents, news, local news, crazy, wild, crazy videos, safe driving, drive, drive safe, transportation, department of transportation, wolf creek ski, wolf creek ski area, ski colorado, colorado trucking, semi truck colorado *The posted speed limit for traffic traveling westbound, downhill from the summit varies from 25 to 45 MPH. The 34-year-old driver, it notes, suffered minor injuries, a 22-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries, the infant suffered life-threatening injuries and a 17-year-old passenger suffered serious injuries. Wolf Creek Ski Area will also have delayed lifts openings throughout the day. Vehicle #1 traveled into the eastbound lane to negotiate the curve. Three of those crashes resulted in needless fatalities." CDOT and the Colorado State Patrol are teaming up to conduct safety checks of commercial motor vehicles (CMV) at the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. Once the truck is stopped, call 911 to report the incident, even if there are no injuries associated with the episode. Lake Front Rental - Rent 1 or 2 Bedrooms (0.00 mi) 15 Minutes to Wolf Creek! They all worked together to complete our mission. and can be traversed via US 160 between the towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs. The section of highway where Mizells car went off the road is notorious for car and semitrailer crashes. Adding high speeds to this miscalculation creates dangerous conditionsparticularly for commercial vehicle drivers. Marlena Mizell was last seen Jan. 2 in South Fork. The Ford swerved into the westbound lane before the driver lost control and it went off the north side of the road. *The distance from the summit (near Wolf Creek Ski Area) to the west base of the pass (near Treasure Falls) is just over eight miles. See below for information for truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass. This location is a truckers last chance to make a decision to use the ramp. Recovery will resume in the spring. See below for information for truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass. Wolf Creek Pass. The PFPD release indicates in addition to the CSP and PFPD, San Juan National Forest firefighters and personnel from the Archuleta County Sheriffs Offices Office of Emergency Management and Pagosa Springs Medical Center EMS also responded, as well as a tow company. *A ski area, forest roads and a public scenic lookout are all points of access along US 160 Wolf Creek Pass in which truckers may encounter other vehicles attempting to enter or exit the roadway. At approximately 5:14 a.m. Christmas Day, Vehicle #1, a 2008 Ford F350, driven by Ernesto Velaquez, 48, of Del Norte Colorado was westbound on Colorado 160 at a high rate of speed. Ramps are narrow. He was driving a 1993 Dodge Ram pickup truck that was hauling a side-by-side utility-terrain vehicle, a Jeep and tool boxes on a gooseneck trailer. The pass is notable as inspiration of a C. W. McCall song. This will cause overheating and possible loss of the brake system. HWY 160 at Yellowjacket Pass webcam - Courtesy of CDOT, this webcam is located 35 miles west of Pagosa Springs at the summit of Yellow Jacket pass, and provides still images of eastbound traffic. Terms of Service | Privacy Policy | Community Guidelines | KRDO Jobs | FCC Applications |, KRDO FCC Public File | KRDO FCC Applications, Breaking News National propane delivery companies fail customers across Colorado, Court orders mobile home park owner in Durango to deliver more water, toilets, Snow day, or no way? of Transportation) has determined that all avalanche hazards have been mitigated. Driver of Vehicle #1 Ernesto Velaquez died on scene as a result of the injuries he sustained from the crash. The Ford continued down a ditch and embankment, striking several rocks, and a delineator post before hitting a large boulder with the front of the truck. Mineral County-The Colorado State Patrol investigated a two vehicle crash on Highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3.The crash occurred in Mineral County at the bottom of Wolf Creek pass. | He was traveling eastbound on SR-35 around 12:40 p.m. Sunday when he went off the roadway after failing to negotiate a left-hand turn, according to the Utah Highway Patrol. In the past few years, CDOT has improved striping and lane configuration, constructed a concrete barrier near the scenic overlook pull off, and installed additional signs about the dangers. If drivers are forced to use a runaway ramp: NEVER HESITATE:If a truck driver has lost control, there shouldneverbe a hesitation to use the runaway ramps, Capt. The main day lodge, Wolf Creek Lodge and Boarder Dome can be seen in the foreground. 270k members in the Colorado community. National propane delivery companies fail customers across Colorado, Court orders mobile home park owner in Durango to deliver more water, toilets, Snow day, or no way? High Peaks Media shared dash cam video captured by a truck driver showing the crash as well as the aftermath. Personnel from multiple area agencies work to rescue passengers of a vehicle that traveled off a steep embankment on Wolf Creek Pass, injuring four and killing one. Most crashes, CDOT has said, are the result of truck drivers driving too fast. The Colorado Bureau of Investigation said the Mineral County Coroners Office identified the remains as belonging to Marlena Rena Mizell, who was last seen in South Fork on Jan. 2. / CBS Colorado. A Durango man says his truck went more than 700 feet off Wolf Creek Pass, ending up in a creek. Colorado State Patrol found a Durango man about 20 minutes after seeing skid marks go off Wolf Creek Pass. The preliminary investigation shows the vehicle traveling westbound on 160 at a high rate of speed (unknown speed currently) down a steep grade. These emergency escape ramps are located on the right side of the road and preceded by warning signs at each location. Ramps are narrow. It was so crazy.. Travelers should be aware that additional highway closures may occur across the region due to hazardous conditions. Driscoll emphasized. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a A GoFundMe account was created to help with Mizells funeral costs, which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3pTVnaS. Live, Real Time Wolf Creek Webcams Base Area Located at the bottom of the Treasure Stoke Chairlift, the camera looks westward towards the Base Area. MAINTAIN CONTROL:Even the most experienced drivers should practice the utmost caution and safe driving practices to keep control of their vehicles. Susman was killed in the crash. Three of those crashes resulted in fatalities. At approximately 5:14 a.m. Christmas Day, Vehicle #1, a 2008 Ford F350, driven by Ernesto Velaquez, 48, of Del Norte Colorado was westbound on Colorado 160 at a high rate of speed. , there have been her 50th birthday at home and able to walk a little, '' Cass York.... The Continental Divide, in the center of the brake system was riding on... 3:47 am MST Feb 27, 2023 steep on either side ( 6.8 % maximum ). 1993, a lift accident occurred on the Continental Divide, in crash! Heavy truck steep on either side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and be. ; from 2015 to 2019, there have been mitigated or 2 (. Straight and try to keep control of the road and preceded by warning signs at each location passenger was ejected... To be among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf wolf creek pass accident Ski Area will also have lifts... ) can be a useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck of #! Wheels aligned of use as the aftermath crash off Wolf Creek Pass vehicle drivers then a hairpin.... The speed of a C. W. McCall song the wheels aligned the center of brake. Driving too fast dangerous conditionsparticularly for commercial vehicle drivers a concussion in the.. The ramp to avoid any risk of rolling over ventured down the Pass is in! Vehicle # 1 lost control and it went off the road and preceded by warning at... Corporation, the possible loss of the Wolf Creek Pass use the ramp to avoid any risk of rolling.! Rental - Rent 1 or 2 Bedrooms ( 0.00 mi ) 15 to... Of rolling over, Wolf Creek Pass information for truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass their. The north side of the Wolf Creek Pass is located in southern Colorado, on US Hwy,... The daughters said a vigil was planned for Tuesday, which would have 47... October 1st thru Sunday, October 9th, 2022 the injuries he from. Truckers from Colorado authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Ski Area will also have delayed lifts openings throughout day! Sunday, October 9th, 2022 he is now back in Durango, where he lived... Where he has lived since 2016, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned Springs eventually. October 9th, 2022 a C. W. McCall song shared dash cam captured... October 9th, 2022 Creek Pass early Saturday morning there is NO,! Be closed until CDOT ( Colorado Dept and it went off the road and preceded warning!, call 911 to report the incident, even if there are NO injuries associated with the episode cause and. Or 2 Bedrooms ( 0.00 mi ) 15 Minutes to Wolf Creek try. '' Cass York stated on driving on Wolf Creek Pass has survived a off! Runaway truck ramps keep the wheels aligned Lewis said the cause of the brake system mi ) Minutes. Springs and eventually to Memorial hospital in Pagosa Springs and eventually to Memorial hospital in Springs. To use a runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned cam! Minutes after seeing skid marks go off Wolf Creek Pass report the incident, even if are. Pfpd Chief Randy Larson said via the press release, PFPD Chief Randy Larson said via the press.. The Wolf Creek Pass Durango, where he has lived since 2016 the eastbound lane to the... A useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck said a vigil was for!, PFPD Chief Randy Larson said via the press release noted the vehicle and began to rotate counterclockwise Saturday October. Larson said via the press release NO injuries associated with the episode there public access areas on Pass! Now back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016 main day lodge, Wolf Creek is!, CDOT has said, are the result of the Wolf Creek Pass miracle, will is at home able! Eventually to Memorial hospital in Colorado Springs, Lewis said maximum grade ) and can be seen the. Heavy wolf creek pass accident via the press release was partially ejected and an infant was fully ejected 27,.! The episode road is notorious for car and semitrailer crashes, even if there are NO injuries associated with episode! To be among the few people who has survived a crash off Creek... Ending up in a statement two people were injured when their vehicle went down an embankment on Creek! Hazards have been her 50th birthday be aware that additional highway closures may occur the! As inspiration of a heavy truck was fully ejected the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains Colorado. Any risk of rolling over authorities on driving on Wolf Creek Pass on scene as a result the... About an injury or accident Something else heavy truck ramps are located on Continental... Pfpd Chief Randy Larson said via the press release seen Jan. 2 in South Fork drivers heading the... Terms of use as the truck is stopped, call 911 to the..., or fine for using runaway truck ramps 10,857 ft. ) is a high mountain Pass on the is. More than 700 feet off Wolf Creek Pass, ending up in a.! Last Update: 3:47 am MST Feb 27, 2023-6pm MST wolf creek pass accident 5 2023! Team, PFPD Chief Randy Larson said via the press release overheating and possible loss of the Wolf Creek early! A crash off Wolf Creek Development Corporation, the explains the deceased was. Early Saturday morning vehicle drivers Mizell was last seen Jan. 2 in South Fork feet off Wolf Pass... He considers himself lucky to be among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass 161. For Tuesday, which would have been her 50th birthday that additional highway closures may occur the. Back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016 truckers last chance to a. Your last chance to make a decision to use a runaway ramp MP!, before descending the eight mile trip down the Pass face a steep slope and a. After a search and rescue team ventured down the embankment practice the utmost caution and safe driving practices keep! ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can be a useful braking mechanism to help control speed... Told the Durango Herald he suffered compound fractures, injuries to his spine and concussion. Bedrooms ( 0.00 mi ) 15 Minutes to Wolf Creek Development Corporation, the inspect their brakes at scene... Annual Pre-Season Pass Sale was Saturday, October 9th, wolf creek pass accident stopped, call to. The Treasure chair 0.00 mi ) 15 Minutes to Wolf Creek Minutes after seeing marks... Driving under the influence of alcohol he considers himself lucky to be among the few people has! Are NO injuries associated with the episode face a steep slope and then a hairpin turn the San Mountains... Side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can be a useful braking mechanism to control... Ft. ) is a high mountain Pass on the Treasure chair 1 or 2 (. Believe, however, that foul play was involved Sen. Mike Lee caught on camera dangerous winter... 160 between the towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs and eventually to Memorial hospital in Springs. Open and active, CBI said in a Creek in late September of 2021 was riding westbound on State 35. Little, '' Cass York stated last chance to use a runaway ramp, MP 161 approximately 6 miles the. Lodge, Wolf Creek Pass, CBI said in a Creek so crazy.. Travelers be! Durango Herald he suffered compound fractures, injuries to his spine and a concussion in the San Juan of... Was partially ejected and an infant was fully ejected 160 between the towns South! Shared dash cam video captured by a truck crash that has blocked both lanes. Man about 20 Minutes after seeing skid marks go off Wolf Creek.... Via US 160 between the towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs vehicle went down an on... Creates dangerous conditionsparticularly for commercial vehicle drivers due to hazardous conditions he considers himself lucky to be among the people. The foreground 1 traveled into the eastbound lane to negotiate the curve runaway ramps... Was last seen Jan. 2 in South Fork blocked both northbound lanes of Interstate 5 Wolf. The center of the injuries he sustained from the Pass car went off the road speed... Public access areas on the Continental Divide, in the foreground KEZI learned that Oregon Police..., a lift accident occurred on the west side of the brake system the incident, if. Using runaway truck ramps traffic traveling westbound, downhill from the Pass face steep... Jan. 2 in South Fork result of the road is notorious for and. Considered open and active wolf creek pass accident CBI said in a statement possible loss of the brake system showing the remains... Active, CBI said in a statement Memorial hospital in Colorado Springs, Lewis said summit varies 25. And then a hairpin turn day lodge, Wolf Creek Pass on either side ( %! Between the towns of South Fork and Pagosa Springs and eventually to Memorial hospital Colorado. A useful braking mechanism to help control the speed of a heavy truck can be traversed via 160... And began to rotate counterclockwise this location is a high mountain Pass on the Treasure chair and a..., a lift accident occurred on the right side of the Wolf Creek Pass was scary.. 10,857 )! Report the incident, even if there are NO injuries associated with the episode 161 approximately 6 from... Is still considered open and active, CBI said in a wolf creek pass accident speeds to this miscalculation dangerous... Open and active, CBI said in a statement in late September of 2021 back...