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Redvale man and friend hit rock, overturn in fast water
A man from Redvale drowned Wednesday afternoon while rafting on the Dolores River about 6½ miles south of Bedrock, according to the Montrose County Sheriff’s Office.
Richard Zehm, 72, was rafting with a friend when their raft hit a rock and overturned, a news release said. Nearby kayakers recovered Zehm's body and took it to responders at a boat ramp.
“The rivers are running extremely fast due to the large amount of snowpack in the mountains,” said Montrose County Sheriff Gene Lillard. “Use caution when recreating on the rivers and streams.”
The Dolores River at Bedrock was flowing Tuesday at 3,820 cubic feet per second – roughly 900% of normal. Gauge height was about 9½ feet, about 18 inches shy of flood stage.
