Avalanche hits 10 vehicles on high-elevation mountain pass in Colorado

A scary incident took place on Sunday morning, when an avalanche came down onto the road on Colorado’s Berthoud Pass, burying 10 vehicles in the process. Also known as Highway 40, the route was closed between Robbers Roost and Henderson Mine Road as a result. As of Monday morning, this portion, located south of Winter Park Ski Resort, remains closed.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, there were no reported injuries resulting from the slide, which took place at about 11:20 a.m. Vehicle and people who were trapped inside did need to be dug out, which took about an hour for the ‘all clear.’

Footage from the scene shows that avalanche debris was deep enough to reach the top of vehicles that were caught in the slide.

Berthoud Pass is a route where avalanches can be a concern, especially during periods of heavy snow. Signage warns of the risk along this highway, which tops out at about 11,300 feet of elevation. The route leads to multiple ski areas in Grand County, consisting a steep grades and numerous switchbacks. It is not a route to take lightly in the winter.

Avalanche risk remains high around much of Colorado’s mountainous terrain. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center had posted warnings prior to the snow that’s rolled through the state in recent days.

Find more information about avalanche risk in Colorado here.

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Berthoud Pass. Photo: halbergman (iStock). (halbergman)
Berthoud Pass. Photo: halbergman (iStock). (halbergman)

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