CDOT closes U.S. 550 Red Mountain Pass

Travel Advisory

March 19, 2020 - Southwestern Colorado

The Colorado Department of Transportation closed U.S. Highway 550 Red Mountain Pass at 6:30 a.m. on Thurs, March 19, due to adverse winter weather and low visibility. The pass has received over a foot of snow and more accumulation is expected. Closure points are at Silverton, MP 71 and Ouray, MP 91. The pass, located in southwest Colorado, will remain closed to northbound and southbound traffic until further notice. 

Travelers are advised to consider the westerly alternate route via CO Highway 145 through Telluride. 

The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has also issued a heightened avalanche watch for the San Juan Mountains. Avalanche danger is expected to be high due to heavy snowfall and strong winds. Travelers should be aware that the high avalanche danger may call for possible avalanche control operations along southwest and central-Colorado mountain corridors, including U.S. 550 Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain Passes; U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass; CO 145 Lizard Head Pass; U.S. 50 Monarch Pass; and CO 17 Cumbres/La Manga Passes. These possible operations will cause lengthy delays. Visit COtrip.org for road condition and avalanche control operations alerts.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: