CDOT warning drivers of snow slides on Berthoud Pass in coming days

Brooke Williams
·2 min read

DENVER (KDVR) — A week after snow blanketed Colorado, burying some towns in 5 feet of powder, the Colorado Department of Transportation is warning drivers of possible snow slides on mountain roads.

Particularly during the daytime hours on U.S. 40 at Berthoud Pass, CDOT said warm temperatures and heavy snow have created conditions where small snow slides are likely.

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On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway.

  • On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)
    On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)
  • On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)
    On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)
  • On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)
    On Tuesday, crews worked to clean up two snow slides that covered part of the roadway on US Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. (Photo: Colorado Department of Transportation)

Slides along U.S. 40 are more challenging to prevent due to several factors, CDOT said. For example, traditional cleanup methods are limited, as there are falling rock fences above the roadway.

However, there will be crews near the pass ready to clean up when another slide happens.

“CDOT crews are positioned on the pass to monitor conditions in real-time at that and other locations. Equipment is also in place so that crews can respond and safely clear snow as quickly as possible,” the department said.

If you encounter avalanche debris across the highway, CDOT says you should not attempt to drive through it. Call emergency services for help and stay in the vehicle.

Slides could happen through the rest of the week and the weekend. Drivers in the area might encounter CDOT equipment and crews.

CDOT said travelers should slow down, drive carefully and make sure the crews have space to work.

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