Travel in parts of the Colorado mountains on Friday night was hazardous, with wind-driven snow and at least three new avalanches shutting down highways.
U.S. 24 was shut down in both directions by an avalanche near Minturn and by another avalanche near Leadville, according to the State Patrol.
ROAD CLOSED: HWY 24 is closed at Minturn and at Leadville due to large avalanche covering both lanes. Emergency crews are responding.
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle)
Colorado 149 near Lake City was closed in both directions by an avalanche, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
RELATED: Amidst danger warnings, Colorado backcountry skier dies in avalanche near Jones Pass
A winter storm warning and avalanche warning was posted by the National Weather Service for mountain areas on Friday and a high-wind warning was posted for the Front Range foothills from south of Castle Rock to the Wyoming state line.
Periods of heavy snow over the past week has dumped more than 100 inches in some mountain areas, according to the weather service. Numerous avalanches have blasted portions of the Interstate 70 corridor, shutting down the highway at times. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has described the recent avalanches, based on numbers and severity, as “100 year events.”
⚠️TRAVEL ADVISORY⚠️:
❄️🌬💨Very Poor Weather Conditions!
Current weather conditions in Summit and Eagle Counties. High winds with snow making visibility limited. Use Caution!— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle)
Meanwhile, the weather service said snow will continue in the mountains into the night Friday with heaviest amounts, up to 12 new inches, on Rabbit Ears Pass and in Summit County. Thunderstorms are also possible in the mountains.
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