A widespread power outage underway in Telluride and surrounding communities is expected to last until at least midnight tonight after a large rock hit a power pole in Ilium Valley Saturday afternoon just before 3pm.
A San Miguel Power Association on scene crew supervisor told San Miguel County Sheriff Bill Masters that the power line is not a San Miguel Power line but rather a Tristate line. The SMPA supervisor stated it would take at least 8 hours (from 4pm) for Tristate crews to travel to the location and make the repair. SMPA crews plan to remain on scene to assist.
No injuries occurred when the large rock struck the pole near the “Church Camp” at County Road 63L and Sunshine Mesa Road at approximately 2:49pm Saturday afternoon shutting power down in Telluride, including most of the Telluride Ski Area, Mountain Village, and Placerville.
San Miguel Sheriff’s Deputies on scene have secured the area and are working with power crews to maintain a safe work environment and keep the public from traveling in the area. County Road 63L will remain closed In the area until power is restored and crews have left the scene.
Sheriff Masters cautions that conditions are such that rockslides could occur and to use extreme caution when traveling in the canyons today and tonight.