PHOTO: Ten vehicles were reportedly caught in the slide on US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass Sunday, January 14. No injuries were reported. CDOT and local law enforcement responded rapidly to the slide.
Extreme winter weather conditions will continue to make mountain travel very challenging. Travelers can expect enforcement of slower speeds and safety closures are likely to occur as needed.
Colorado Department of Transportation crews responded to a bank slide on US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass yesterday. Ten vehicles were reportedly caught in the slide. No injuries were reported and responders have been in contact with those impacted during the recovery. Shortly after noon, all vehicles and passengers had been safely pulled from the slide. Local law enforcement also responded to the slide.
Additional snowfall is expected through the night and the Martin Luther King Holiday, Monday. Some mountain areas may receive an additional six to 12 inches of snow with storm total accumulations potentially exceeding three feet in the northern mountains by Monday evening. An Avalanche Warning remains in effect for much of the western slope and southwest Colorado, per the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
If You See an Avalanche
Stay in your vehicle! Additional slides and avalanches may occur given risky conditions. Do not attempt to drive through the snow slide. The snow packs hard, and debris such as rocks, limbs and trees may be in the snow slide.
If possible, report the avalanche or snow slide from your location.
Try to position your vehicle near the shoulder of the highway so that snow removal equipment can get by.
If You & Your Vehicle are Caught in an Avalanche
Stay in your vehicle! Maintenance and emergency responders will come to your aid. Remember, additional avalanches may be likely, so it can be hazardous to be outside your vehicle. Turn off your engine to avoid the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. If possible, report the avalanche or snow slide from inside your vehicle.
Have emergency supplies in your vehicle. If you travel through the high country, it is wise to keep water, snacks, extra clothes, and blankets inside your vehicle to use in emergency situations.
Watch Where You Park
Backcountry users should never park in areas of a known slide path or in “NO PARKING or STANDING” zones. These areas are prone to slides putting vehicles and passengers in danger. Backcountry users are also advised that when leaving vehicles on the shoulder of the road, they are at risk of breaking the law, being fined and their vehicle being towed away. Owners who leave vehicles unattended parked on the side of the road are at risk of obstructing the operations of heavy equipment and breaking the law.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions before hitting the road. CDOT and other resources include:
Road conditions and travel information website: COtrip.org