Avalanche Buries 3 Cars On Highway 91
FRISCO, Colo. (CBS4)- Both directions of Interstate 70 were closed for a few hours on Thursday afternoon from mile marker 195 and Exit 201, Frisco, because of safety concerns after another avalanche on Highway 91. There were three vehicles buried in the slide.
AVALANCHE!!!! HWY 91 1 mile south of Copper Mtn Ski area. Three cars buried. All persons accounted for and safe. Drive safe!#ofpy#avalanche #snowpocalypse2019 pic.twitter.com/hJYhGVAsbq
— CSP District 4 (@CSP_District4) March 7, 2019
The slide happened on Colorado Highway 91 just after 4 p.m. One car was flipped over and the driver rescued.
COLO 91 being closed between Leadville and Copper My Mountain -
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) March 7, 2019
Another avalanche has been reported. Unknown extent or if vehicles involved.
Everyone in the vehicles buried in the slide was accounted for after search and rescue crews combed the area.
The avalanche on Highway 91 was a natural slide. It covered the road with 15 feet of snow and debris. The field is 300 yards wide.
Should you encounter an avalanche or powder cloud while driving.
— Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) (@ColoradoDOT) March 8, 2019
-Reduced speeds
-Pull over to shoulder if possible
-Turn off your vehicle
-Remain in your car, first responders will come to you
-If you have cell phone service, call for help
CDOT said that travel in the mountains is discouraged and that anyone who needs to travel
CDOT estimated that Highway 91 would reopen around 10 p.m. Thursday. All lanes of I-70 reopened at 7 p.m. Thursday. U.S. 6 over Loveland Pass will remain closed overnight due to adverse conditions.
This was the latest in a series of avalanches, both natural and human-set, that created another hectic day along the Interstate 70 corridor through Colorado's high country. Vail Pass was closed on Thursday for several hours as crews cleared 15 feet of snow that came down and covered lanes of traffic.
I-70 Has Reopened
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) March 8, 2019
Utah to Kansas !!
Slower speeds a must, MUST.
Especially between Vail and Frisco.
Outstanding job by so many folks at @ColoradoDOT and @CAICsummit.
Let's not ruin it by crashing and causing more problems. S1 pic.twitter.com/TBS5qakdCv
CDOT also said that with another wave of adverse weather expected on Friday to anticipate avalanche mitigation in the morning and the potential for road closures. Experts also urged drivers to be prepared with an emergency kit and adequate tire traction.