Avalanche closes Colorado mountain pass
This story was originally about an avalanche that occurred on Monarch Pass, shutting down the road. This road has since reopened and closed again for avalanche mitigation. No one was injured in the initial slide. Below you’ll find a list of other delays and closures happening on mountain passes around the state due to winter weather conditions.
UPDATE [7:46 AM]: Parts of I-70 are under avalanche mitigation
I-70 EB/WB: Avalanche control between MM 205 and Exit 218 – Herman Gulch. — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) February 15, 2019
UPDATE [7:40 AM]: Lizard Head Pass has also closed for avalanche mitigation.
CO 145 NB/SB: Road closed between Commercial St and County Road 63A. Lizard Head Pass remains closed due to adverse conditions and avalanche control work. No est. reopen time. — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) February 15, 2019
UPDATE [7:36 AM]: Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain Pass have been closed.
US 550 NB/SB: Road closed between Lime Creek and MM 92.9. Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mtn Passes remain closed due to adverse conditions and avalanche control work. No est. reopen time. — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) February 15, 2019
UPDATE [6:43 AM]: The road is again closed for avalanche mitigation.
US 50: Avalanche control between MM 190 and Monarch Pk Campground. H50 is closed between MM 190 and MM 200. — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) February 15, 2019
UPDATE [5:58 AM]: The road has reopened, though additional closures are expected.
US 50: Road open at Monarch Pk Campground. Expected closure around 06:30 am for avalanche mitigation. — CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) February 15, 2019
An avalanche has closed Highway 50 at Monarch Pass.
Colorado State Patrol reported that no vehicles were caught in the avalanche.
There is currently no estimated time for reopening the roadway. In addition to cleanup, crews are performing avalanche mitigation work.
The slide happened at mile marker 201.6, according to CSP.
Monarch Pass reaches an elevation of over 11,000 feet. It’s very steep with steep slopes flanking the road, making it a risk for avalanches.