Avalanche
On Monday morning, a natural avalanche came down Ten Mile Canyon near I-70, between Frisco and Copper Mountain, according to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC).
“A natural avalanche was captured on camera along I-70 in Frisco, Colorado, on Monday, February 17, triggered by heavy snow and severe weather conditions.
Strong winds and intense snowfall created hazardous travel conditions across much of Colorado’s high country, particularly in the northern regions, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT).
Travel disruptions occurred along the highway, with I-70 near Vail closing on Tuesday morning for avalanche mitigation as the risk of additional slides remained elevated, local news reported.
Footage released by CDOT shows the avalanche occurring near the I-70 corridor.”
Video footage captured vehicles driving cautiously as a massive snow cloud barreled down the mountainside. Fortunately, the avalanche did not reach the roadway. The National Weather Service had issued an Avalanche Warning with a danger level of 4 out of 5, signaling a high likelihood of large, naturally occurring avalanches.
“An Avalanche Warning is in effect for the Summit area. Heavy snow and strong winds will create dangerous avalanche conditions starting early Monday and lasting through Tuesday. Large avalanches will be easy to trigger, and some could release naturally. You can trigger avalanches in the new snow large enough to bury you. Some avalanches will break deeper in the snowpack, propagating broader and larger than expected. You could trigger an avalanche from a distance or below. Travel in avalanche terrain is not recommended during this time.”
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) attributed the slide to heavy snowfall and strong winds from recent storms. These conditions created treacherous travel across much of northern Colorado, with whiteout conditions prompting closures on portions of westbound I-70 later in the day due to slick roads and heavy traffic.
- Related: Colorado’s “I-70 Problem”
CDOT crews have worked tirelessly to mitigate avalanche risks along the I-70 corridor. On Tuesday morning, sections of Vail Pass were scheduled for closures to allow for controlled avalanche mitigation efforts. Drivers are urged to remain cautious and prepared for delays as the Avalanche Warning continues through Tuesday evening.
