UPDATE:
US 550 Mountain Corridor to remain closed overnight
The US 550 mountain corridor will remain closed through tonight. The closure includes three passes - Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain, south and north of Silverton.
Due to the current adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, avalanche mitigation crews have been called off the passes for safety.
An additional 14 inches of snow is expected today, plus another 8-10 inches forecasted for tonight.
Crews are set to conduct avalanche mitigation on all three passes first thing tomorrow morning. Operations will likely continue through much of the day.
PREVIOUS REPORT:
Colorado Department of Transportaion will perform winter maintenance operations on several mountain passes in south-central and southwest Colorado. High country passes have received significant amounts of snow and avalanche mitigation work is required.
These operations will require lengthy closures. Please be aware that closures may be extended should unusual circumstances arise and depending upon how much snow and debris drops onto the highways. Postpone travel plans if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, allow for extra travel time and be prepared for adverse road conditions. Visit www.COtrip.org for highway closure information.
Some passes are already closed with no estimated time of re-opening.
TODAY, Wed., 2/23
TOMORROW, Thurs., 2/24
The following passes will also likely require mitigation tomorrow, but closure times have yet to be determined.
AVALANCHE FORECAST INFO
Backcountry users are urged to check avalanche conditions at CAIC website: www.avalanche.state.co.us.
Know Before You Go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:
