US 40 Berthoud Pass to remain closed overnight

Winter Travel Alert

January 14, 2024 - Statewide - CDOT urges travelers to be prepared for safety closures on other highways
US 40 Berthoud Pass January 2024 Avalanche Cleanup
Ten vehicles were reportedly caught in the slide on US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass Sun., Jan 14. No injuries were reported. CDOT and local law enforcement responded rapidly to the slide.

Colorado — US Highway 40 Berthoud Pass remains closed due to ongoing avalanche danger and will remain closed overnight into Monday, January 15. There is no estimated time for re-opening the pass. Travelers should plan ahead and find alternate routes.

After a natural slide occurred earlier today on Berthoud Pass at approximately 11:20 a.m., Colorado Department of Transportation crews are continuing to work through the night performing snow removal work. Crews clearing earlier slides have encountered additional bank slides that have re-covered the roadway with snow. Additional snowfall and forecasted high winds through tonight make Berthoud Pass too hazardous for travel until additional snow removal operations can be completed. Overnight teams are taking over snow removal operations to carry on all the clearing work that can be performed, with additional work and slide mitigation expected to continue tomorrow.

Travelers should be prepared for possible safety closures on highways across Colorado’s high country, including I-70. Safety closures are implemented, sometimes on quick notice, when extreme adverse conditions or high avalanche danger arises. Closures are also needed when avalanche mitigation and snow removal operations are performed. These winter maintenance operations will take place in the next few days as heavy snow and windy conditions continue.

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. 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. Avalanche risks are elevated after this heavy snowfall covers a weaker snowpack from the beginning of the winter season. An Avalanche Warning remains in effect for much of the western slope and southwest Colorado, per the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.

Travelers are encouraged to frequently check COtrip.org for updates.

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: