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NEDERLAND, Colo. -- A boot containing human remains was found Wednesday at Eldora Mountain Ski Area, the Boulder County Sheriff's Office said.

The boot was found near the base of the mountain and the sheriff's office was notified about 4:30 p.m.

“The employee had been working in a clearing near the base of the mountain when he discovered a single snow-style boot,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “When he examined the boot closer he observed what he believed to be human remains inside.”

In January, Eldora employee Ryder Johnson, 20 of Lafayette, was reported missing after failing to return home. His vehicle was found near Gross Reservoir, but a search came up empty.

The sheriff's office said Thursday a preliminary investigation has shown the remains are not those of Johnson. Investigators are combing through missing person reports and have shared information with other law enforcement agencies in Colorado and across the country.

Deputies who went to the ski resort Wednesday described the boot as “wet and weathered.” It likely had been covered by snowpack. It's not known how long the boot and remains had been in the clearing.

The sheriff's office said it was a left men's Rugged Outback snow-style size 13 boot. Inside the boot was a black sock and human remains consisting of a foot and the lower leg bones.

Members of the Nederland Fire Protection District, Rocky Mountain Rescue Group, Eldora Mountain Resort and the sheriff’s Emergency Services Unit were called out to conduct a search of the area.

Three cadaver dogs from Front Range Rescue Dogs were also used up until nightfall. No additional human remains had been found. The search resumed Thursday morning.

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