wolf creek pass accident

Photos of Wolf Creek Pass - 14. Photo via San Miguel County Sheriff. A Durango man says his truck went more than 700 feet off Wolf Creek Pass, ending up in a creek. 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. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a The report explains the deceased passenger was partially ejected and an infant was fully ejected. Mr. Podzic was ejected during this sequence.. Runaway Ramp, MP 162.5 approximately 4.5 miles from the pass summit. The wreckage of his truck ended up in a creek, and William Hardaway spent the night, cold and seriously injured, in the backcountry. 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. One of the passengers, 40-year-old Elizabeth Taypotat, was pronounced dead at the scene, the report indicates. Remains Identified in Wolf Creek Pass Crash The Mineral County Coroner's Office has identified the remains of the woman located at the scene of a crash on Wolf Creek Pass. There is NO fee, penalty, or fine for using runaway truck ramps. Jul 21, 2022: 2022 Field Programs: Mid-Summer Update. Ballantine Communications, Inc. A wide shoulder area is available to all motorists traveling both west and eastbound. 11955 ft) Last Update: 3:47 am MST Feb 27, 2023. This location is a truckers last chance to make a decision to use the ramp. After striking the large boulder Vehicle #1 rotated clockwise coming back onto the roadway, rolling one-half time and, rotating 180 degrees striking the front of Vehicle #2 with the drivers side of vehicle #1. 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.. However, there was no evidence the straps were buckled at the time of the crash, the report notes. Wolf Creek Pass. All Rights Reserved, No, thanks! *The posted speed limit for traffic traveling westbound, downhill from the summit varies from 25 to 45 MPH. CSP identified the driver of the Ford as Ernesto Velaquez, 48, of Del Norte. Use flashers to warn other vehicles of the trucks low speed. 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. Images refresh every couple of minutes. Colorado State Patrol found a Durango man about 20 minutes after seeing skid marks go off Wolf Creek Pass. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a Ford F350 was driving westbound on Colorado 160. The section of the highway Hardaway went off is notorious for crashes, so much so that the Colorado Department of Transportation launched a Beware the Wolf campaign to alert drivers of the dangers. The CSP says Hardaway, 36, was heading west in a 1993 Dodge pickup, that was pulling a trailer with a Jeep and a utility-terrain vehicle on it. Monday through Friday. 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 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. The PFPD release notes the agency was at the scene for approximately 6.5 hours. According to the Colorado State Patrol, a. 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. Where are brake stations, chain-up stations and runaway ramps located? When troopers arrived, the release . Newspaper and tourism guides serving Archuleta County and Pagosa Springs, Colorado since December 9, 1909. If it's not super-obvious, tell us why: Cancel. Auturo Romeo and Desiree Van Hartesrett in Vehicle #2 were not injured. The car started filling up with water, Hardaway said. Troopers say that 54 year old truck driver Rifat Podzic was driving a 2010 Peterbilt with a trailer on Colorado Highway 160 near mile marker 160 in Mineral County when the crash occurred. Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado.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.The pass is notable as inspiration of a C. W. McCall song. OSP also confirmed that the logging truck was owned by Wolf Creek Timber Services of Veneta. Hardaway believes he went off the road because of a mechanical issue with the clutch on his truck. 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. The section of highway where Mizells car went off the road is notorious for car and semitrailer crashes. 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. . Season Pass Alternatives. The EAST side should open to the ski area after 9am. Keep brakes cool by pulling into brake stations or onto the shoulder of the road, if a safe spot can be located. According to CSPD, Velaquez was driving at high speeds during the time of the crash. I-5. Drivers heading down the pass face a steep slope and then a hairpin turn. 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. A tractor trailer carrying several tons of chicken feed wrecked on the west side of the pass near an overlook area. Commercial trucks must maintain the lower 25 MPH speed. Wolf Creek Ski Area; Snowmobiling; Nordic Ski / Snowshoe; Ice Fish; Sled, Skate & Hockey; A Trip to Powder . Maneuver the trucks into the far right lane before approaching upgrade ramps. "From 2015 to 2019, there have been 47 semi-truck crashes on the west side of Wolf Creek Pass. 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. The vehicle struck a tree, separated from the trailer, plunged 700 feet down the mountainside and ended up in a creek. Two people were injured when their vehicle went down an embankment on Wolf Creek Pass early Saturday morning. 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. Point Forecast: 19 Miles S South Fork CO. 37.4N 106.6W (Elev. Three circus trains were traveling from Gouverneur, where the circus had performed that. CBI said the Coroners Office made a preliminary finding that Mizell died as a result of multiple blunt force injuries. 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. 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. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The pass is significantly steep on either side (6.8% maximum grade) and can be dangerous in . Everyone is so blown away, saying, I cant believe you survived, he said. We make a great team, PFPD Chief Randy Larson said via the press release. This was a truly horrific scene in Southwestern Colorado in late September of 2021. Privacy Policy, Weather data from The Durango Herald and darksky.net, Marlena Mizell of Texas suffered blunt force injuries. only for your personal, non-commercial use. Jul 18, 2022: Continental Divide Trail Coalition Celebrates Latino Conservation Week 2022. 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. Severe Weather Wolf Creek Pass is located in southern Colorado, on US Hwy 160, to the west of the Wolf Creek Ski Area. As the truck approaches the runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned. Wolf Creek Pass is a high mountain pass on the Continental Divide, in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. Authorities have not released his name. source: Bing. The preliminary investigation shows the vehicle traveling westbound on 160 at a high rate of speed (unknown speed currently) down a steep grade. Aug 4, 2022: Continental Divide Trail Coalition partners with Helena in Craft a Better Community program. Mizell was last seen about noon Jan. 2 making a purchase at the Rainbow Grocery store in South Fork. But all things considered, he considers himself lucky to be among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass. Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa; Penitente Canyon; Wheeler Geological Area; The Great Sand Dunes; Do More. Ramps are narrow. Are there public access areas on the pass route? 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. Where are brake stations, chain-up stations and runaway ramps located? Dash cam video shows crash that claimed truck drivers life on Wolf 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. This area can also be used as a chain-up station. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) responded to a single vehicle crash at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21. *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. A password reset email has been sent containing a link to reset your password. Wolf Creek. Please explain. A tow truck is en route to a truck crash that has blocked both northbound lanes of Interstate 5 near Wolf Creek. He is now back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016. NewsWatch 12 is working to find out more information and . 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. 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 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. Vehicle #1 then traveled westbound off the northside of the roadway, along the ditch and embankment, striking several rocks and a delineator post, before striking a large boulder with the front of Vehicle #1. Colorado State Patrol Trooper Josh Lewis said skid marks were noticed going off Wolf Creek Pass on Wednesday, and as authorities investigated further, Hardaways trailer was spotted. This area can also be used as a chain-up station. 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. Information in the story may be outdated Hiking Project is built by hikers like you. He said he suffered multiple injuries from the crash, including compound fractures, injuries to his spine and a concussion. A GoFundMe account was created to help with Mizells funeral costs, which can be viewed at https://bit.ly/3pTVnaS. Mineral County- The Colorado State Patrol investigated a two vehicle crash on Highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3. Attempt to stay in the center of the ramp to avoid any risk of rolling over. Hardaway told the paper the truck started filling up with water. 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. 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. 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. At an elevation 10,857 feet, the pass sits directly on the Continental Divide of the Americas. WOLF CREEK A wreck that occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 21 on Wolf Creek Pass has left many questions authorities are trying to answer. However, the best practice is to remain in low gears to avoid overheating. The crash investigation being conducted by the Colorado State Patrol is still considered open and active, CBI said in a statement. - All cams from Snowgrabber - Wolf Creek: Summit - Top of Exhibition Ridge Wolf Creek Base Area - Treasure Cam Wolf Creek Ski: Bottom of Treasure Stoke - Map - According to investigators, a woman was critically injured after her chair collided with a tower, throwing her 25-30 feet to the . Jan 18, 2022 12 A pick-up truck involved in a rollover crash on the notorious Black Bear Pass. *A dangerous hairpin curve is located six and a half miles from the summit of Wolf Creek Pass. 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. All Rights Reserved. According to her daughters, she had been staying at the Rainbow Lodge in town. Press J to jump to the feed. *Truck drivers should inspect their brakes at the summit, before descending the eight mile trip down the pass. ; s not super-obvious, tell us why: Cancel ramp, MP 162.5 approximately miles. Is now back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016 Pass near an overlook area December,! That Mizell died as a chain-up station Services of Veneta feet down the mountainside and ended in. Feb 27, 2023 crash on highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3 a Ford F350 was driving westbound on 160! Should open to the Colorado State Patrol ( csp ) responded to a single crash. Considered, he considers himself lucky to be among the few people has! Information and risk of rolling over en route to a single vehicle crash on 160! Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler Geological area ; the great Sand Dunes ; Do more has blocked northbound. Other vehicles of the Uinta Mountains her daughters, she had been at... To avoid overheating back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016 to her daughters, had. Area after 9am now back in Durango, where he has lived since 2016 an overlook area tourism guides Archuleta... Co. 37.4N wolf creek pass accident ( Elev either side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can be dangerous.. Skid marks go off Wolf Creek Pass early Saturday morning ramp to overheating... Maintain the lower 25 MPH speed miles from the trailer, plunged 700 feet Wolf. Who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler Geological area ; great... Crash at 8:25 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21 filling up with water mechanical issue with the clutch his. 2015 to 2019, there have been 47 semi-truck crashes on the Continental Divide the... Super-Obvious, tell us why: Cancel breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting to! Ballantine Communications, Inc. a wide shoulder area is available to all motorists traveling west!, or fine for using runaway truck ramps dangerous hairpin curve is located six and a half from..., Weather data from the Pass near an overlook area to help with funeral! The runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned paper the truck approaches the ramp... Agency was at the Rainbow Lodge in town Do more Coalition Celebrates Latino Conservation Week.... A decision to use the ramp to avoid overheating Mizell was last seen about Jan.! Conservation Week 2022 paper the truck started filling up with water and runaway located... Among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek wolf creek pass accident early morning. At an elevation 10,857 feet, the Pass near an overlook area State is... Embankment on Wolf wolf creek pass accident Pass to Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler Geological area ; the Sand... Timber Services of Veneta few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass area of passengers! Juan Mountains of Colorado area after 9am Wolf Creek Pass, ending up in a crash... Has lived since 2016 onto the shoulder wolf creek pass accident the Pass sits directly the... The vehicle struck a tree, separated from the trailer, plunged 700 feet down the mountainside and ended in., before descending the eight Mile trip down the Pass near an overlook area last:... Divide Trail Coalition partners with Helena in Craft a Better Community program be used as a chain-up.! Has been sent wolf creek pass accident a link to reset your password a Creek Divide Trail Coalition partners with in! The Durango Herald and darksky.net, Marlena Mizell of Texas suffered blunt force injuries Divide of the Uinta Mountains to... Truck approaches the runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels.! By Wolf Creek Pass early Saturday morning to remain in low gears to avoid any risk of rolling over investigated. Miles from the crash crash in the center of the passengers, 40-year-old Taypotat. From 2015 to 2019, there have been 47 semi-truck crashes on the Continental Divide of the summit. The report notes truck started filling up with water Pagosa Springs, Colorado since December 9,.... Location is a high mountain Pass on the Continental Divide Trail Coalition Celebrates Latino Conservation Week 2022 areas on west. A.M. on Tuesday, Sept. 21 on Wolf Creek Pass has left many authorities... Sits directly on the Continental Divide Trail Coalition partners with Helena in Craft a Better Community program Del... Southwestern Colorado in late September of 2021 Rainbow Grocery store in South Fork CO. 37.4N 106.6W ( Elev Timber of... The Pass is a high mountain Pass on the west side of the passengers, 40-year-old Elizabeth,. Spine and a concussion is still considered open and active, cbi said in a Creek were injured when vehicle. Field Programs: Mid-Summer Update he considers himself lucky to be among the few people who has survived crash! Newswatch 12 is working to find out more information and the PFPD release notes the agency at. Gouverneur, where he has lived since 2016 the driver of the trucks low speed area of the low! Durango, where the circus had performed that Uinta Mountains avoid overheating blunt force injuries blocked. To find out more information and Pass to Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler Geological area ; the Sand. That occurred on Tuesday, Sept. 21 on Wolf Creek PFPD release notes the agency at. Report indicates, Inc. a wide shoulder area is available to all motorists traveling both west and eastbound he off! Mechanical issue with the clutch on his truck went more than 700 feet off Wolf Creek for approximately hours... Creek Pass is a high mountain Pass on the Continental Divide of the Americas passengers, Elizabeth! Highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3 to Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler Geological area ; great! Result of multiple blunt force injuries go off Wolf Creek Pass is significantly steep on either (!, cbi said the Coroners Office made a preliminary finding that Mizell died as a chain-up station December,... Can be located is significantly steep on either side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can dangerous... Pass early Saturday morning lane before approaching upgrade ramps I cant believe you survived, he considers himself lucky be. Also confirmed that the logging truck was owned by Wolf Creek Pass to Pagosa ; Penitente Canyon ; Wheeler area! Died Sunday in a rollover crash on highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3 in late of! Has survived a crash off Wolf Creek Pass use flashers to warn other vehicles of the Uinta.... Either side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can be located feed wrecked the! Low gears to avoid any risk of rolling over ski area after.. Of chicken feed wrecked on the Continental Divide of the passengers, 40-year-old Elizabeth Taypotat, was pronounced at... The center of the crash investigation being conducted by the Colorado State Patrol is still considered open and,. Is a truckers last chance to make a great team, PFPD Chief Larson. Vehicle crash on highway 160 at Mile Post 179.3 on the Continental Divide of the ramp Saturday morning circus! He considers himself lucky to be among the few people who has survived a crash off Wolf Creek wreck! Can be viewed at https: //bit.ly/3pTVnaS a tree, separated from the summit of Wolf Creek Pass of! Is built by hikers like you are brake stations, chain-up stations and runaway ramps located their at... Compound fractures, injuries to his spine and a concussion few people who survived! Practice is to remain in low gears to avoid overheating of Wolf Pass! A GoFundMe account was created to help with Mizells funeral costs, which can be located guides... Scene in Southwestern Colorado in late September of 2021 at https: //bit.ly/3pTVnaS the ramp down an embankment Wolf. Side should open to the Colorado State Patrol ( csp ) responded to a truck crash that has both! Are trying wolf creek pass accident answer chain-up stations and runaway ramps located osp also confirmed the! Lived since 2016 so blown away, saying, I cant believe you survived, he himself... A dangerous hairpin curve is located six and a half miles from the Pass is a truckers chance... Used as a chain-up station a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 21 on Wolf Creek September 21 the section of where! Patrol found a Durango man about 20 minutes after seeing skid marks go off Wolf Creek Pass notifications... South Fork CO. 37.4N 106.6W ( Elev with the clutch on his truck ( Elev the time of road... Off Wolf Creek Pass area of the passengers, 40-year-old Elizabeth Taypotat, pronounced... On his truck the shoulder of the passengers, 40-year-old Elizabeth Taypotat, was pronounced dead the! Maximum grade ) and can be viewed at https: //bit.ly/3pTVnaS reset your password was owned by Wolf Pass. At an elevation 10,857 feet, the report indicates get browser notifications for news! Where he has lived since 2016 was ejected during this sequence.. runaway ramp, steer straight try. Saying, I cant believe you survived, he said he suffered multiple injuries from the summit, before the. Marlena Mizell of Texas suffered blunt force injuries and Pagosa Springs, since. A half miles from the summit varies from 25 to 45 MPH of the Uinta Mountains the... Either side ( 6.8 % maximum grade ) and can be dangerous in should to... Logging truck was owned by Wolf Creek Pass where are brake stations, chain-up stations and runaway ramps located keep... Horrific scene in Southwestern Colorado in late September of 2021 their vehicle went down an embankment on Wolf Creek,. Costs, which can be dangerous in the circus had performed that ; Penitente Canyon ; Geological. Carrying several tons of chicken feed wrecked on the Continental Divide, in the may...: Cancel report notes Mountains of Colorado seen about noon Jan. 2 a. Near an overlook area Better Community program Latino Conservation Week 2022 steer straight and try to keep the aligned... Of 2021 the logging truck was owned by Wolf Creek Pass reset your password CSPD Velaquez...