CDOT re-opens Berthoud Pass in Colorado’s high country
Colorado Department of Transportation workers unburying a vehicle that was hit by a small avalanche, or bank slide, Sunday which forced the closure of U.S. 40 near Winter Park. Berthoud Pass re-opened late Wednesday.
Courtesy photo, Colorado Department of Transportation
Colorado Department of Transportation officials late Wednesday announced U.S. 40, Berthoud Pass, is re-opened after a small avalanche Sunday forced its closure.
Described as a “bank slide,” the avalanche trapped about 10 vehicles Sunday. But they were removed with CDOT and law enforcement help.
The pass has remained closed since that time.
“Crews have worked around the clock during the closure, focusing on removing heavy snow and reducing avalanche danger,” according to a news release.
Officials reported that several bank slides happened as crews worked to clear the pass Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. The weak snowpack underneath the new snow created the dangerous conditions.
Another winter storm is forecast for the area Thursday, according to the National Weather Service, with “heavy snow (and) additional snow accumulations 3 to 6 inches. Winds gusting as high as 65 mph.”
Travelers should expect delays and check conditions before leaving at cotrip.org.