Search ends for snowmobiler missing in avalanche

Authorities have called off the search for now for a snowmobiler caught in an avalanche in the La Plata Mountains because it isn’t safe.

Montezuma County Undersheriff Lynda Carter said Thursday the snowmobiler is presumed dead and it’s not worth risking more lives. More snow is expected over the weekend.

The Durango Herald reports Anthony Robert Yates was caught in the avalanche in the La Plata Mountains on Wednesday as he was trying to free a stuck snowmobile. Four other snowmobilers with him were also caught, but managed to dig themselves out of the avalanche.

There was no indication on when the search might resume.