3 people missing in Colorado snow

Rescue crews were searching Friday for a woman reportedly swept away by an avalanche in southern Colorado.

In southwestern Colorado, searchers continued to hunt for two New Mexico snowboarders missing since last weekend. New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson ordered a state patrol helicopter to assist in the search.

Authorities said a man reported his sister missing after they were hit by an avalanche Thursday near 14,345-foot Blanca Peak about 140 miles south of Denver.

Ground crews were searching for the woman but a helicopter was forced back because of high wind, Alamosa County sheriff's spokeswoman Carol Orton said.

Meanwhile, up to 40 people on skis and snowmobiles and a search helicopter were looking for Michael George and Kyle Kerschen, who were reported missing on Jan. 5.

The two men, both 27 and both from Albuquerque, N.M., disappeared after they went snowboarding at the Wolf Creek ski resort about 170 miles southwest of Denver. Their car was found in the ski area's parking lot.