Video of a massive avalanche above Berthoud Pass that was deliberately caused by mitigation crews on Tuesday was posted by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center.
The CAIC said this avalanche path hadn’t run all the way to the highway (U.S. 40) since 1957.
Avalanche danger is extreme in much of the high country, and has forced the temporary closure of many highways for avalanche mitigation work. During this work, CDOT will close a section of the highway so crews can set off avalanches that will bring down unstable snow, according to the agency’s website. CDOT then clears the debris from the road before reopening the highway.
Some deliberate avalanches resulted in the deposition of 10-15 feet of snow on Interstate 70, which has since been removed.
Loveland Pass, Vail Pass, Fremont Pass and Tennessee Pass remained closed as of 2 p.m. Thursday.
