From this revenue passenger of 1949, watching out for rock and dirt slides was the first responsibility of the motormen. Shovels and muscle cleared some of them. I offer the opinion that one particular day, he didn't stop soon enough or thought that he could get by it.
My southbound trip was cut short by a known slide. At a gradecrossing, the US Mail and I were transferred to to small van for the remainder of the trip to Delores. Dirt / rock / narrow / crooked / a truck that burned more oil than gasoline / all in the dark / a cheerful,young driver. Quite an experience. Connecting with another mail truck to Durango.