Avalanche
US-40 Berthoud Pass in Colorado remains closed after an avalanche buried 10 cars around 11:20 am on Sunday, January 14, 2024. The closure is in both directions between Robins Roost and Henderson Mine Road, just south of Winter Park. No injuries were reported, and all vehicles and passengers caught in the avalanche were safely rescued.
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has been working on clearing the road, but they faced challenges due to additional bank slides that re-covered the roadway with snow. After the avalanche that buried 10 cars Sunday, two additional slides covered the road Tuesday afternoon, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. There is currently no estimated time for the highway to reopen as crews work to clear snow and reduce the avalanche danger.
“Crews clearing earlier slides have encountered additional bank slides that have re-covered the roadway with snow,” CDOT wrote in an email Monday evening. “Additional snowfall and forecasted high winds through tonight make Berthoud Pass too hazardous for travel until additional snow-removal operations can be completed.
Reports are trickling in from Colorado that due to Berthoud Pass’ closure on Sunday, along with the closure of Vail and Loveland passes due to heavy snowfall, it was taking passengers roughly 7 hours to make it from Winter Park Resort to Denver. Under normal circumstances with good weather and minimal traffic, the drive from Winter Park to Denver typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. These closures have highlighted the heightened avalanche danger in the region, especially given the heavy snowfall and windy conditions expected to continue throughout the week.
Furthermore, travelers in Colorado’s high country, including those using Interstate 70, should be prepared for possible safety closures, which can be implemented with short notice due to extreme conditions or high avalanche danger. These closures are also necessary for avalanche mitigation and snow removal operations.
“Per the Colorado Department of Transportation – US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass remains closed due to ongoing avalanche danger and will remain closed overnight into Monday, January 15. There is no estimated time for re-opening the pass. Travelers should plan ahead and find alternate routes.”
– Grand County Sheriff’s Office
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has also issued an avalanche warning until Thursday for much of the western slope and southwest Colorado, indicating that the avalanche danger is significantly higher than in recent weeks. CAIC Director Ethan Greene emphasized the importance of checking the avalanche forecast and planning activities accordingly to avoid dangerous slopes.
“”Continuous signs of instability.” “It’s going off everywhere!” “Maybe most unstable I’ve seen in 30 years.” Those are just a few choice quotes from observers on Sunday morning. There’s no doubt conditions are dangerous. Avalanches are happening at all elevations, Small avalanches are catching and partially burying people in terrain traps. Slopes that may not scream “avalanche terrain” are sliding and can catch you by surprise. Obvious avalanche terrain is producing avalanches large enough to bury and kill a person. They are hair-trigger and can be started a distance away.”
– CAIC Forecast
