US 550 Red Mountain Pass in Colorado closed on Tuesday after a significant mudslide buried the road under three feet of mud and debris.
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The slide occurred just south of Ironton Park, approximately MP 84.5, at 3 pm and CDOT used several pieces of heavy equipment to clear mud, rocks, dead trees, limbs, and boulders.
The San Juan mountain pass reopened on Wednesday afternoon.
Flash flood watches covered all Colorado mountain zones through Thursday evening to 10 pm.
Check COtrip.org for up-to-date information and the status of road conditions for this mountain pass located between Silverton and Ouray and all highways throughout Colorado.
CDOT urges travelers to:
- Be aware of weather conditions and forecasts. Heavy rainstorms can cause flooding, mudslides, and falling rocks.
- Never drive through flooded areas, you do not know how deep or how fast the water is running.
- Even a few inches of water or mud can float an average-sized car, which can be easily swept off the road.
- Mudslides and flooding can obstruct the roadway and hinder drivers from knowing exactly where to drive. Wait for the water to subside or for crews to clear the road.
- Flooding can contain unseen debris and hazards hidden under the surface of the water and mud.
