VAIL, Colo. — Interstate 70 over Vail Pass reopened Monday afternoon after it was closed for avalanche mitigation work, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.
The closure started about 9:30 a.m. between Exit 195 at Copper Mountain and Exit 180 in East Vail. CDOT said that travelers should expect delays and plan ahead.
Avalanche danger was considerable after a weekend storm dropped much needed snow on the high country.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) said avalanches could break wide and run for long distances, and that traveling in, near or under avalanche terrain wasn't recommended through Tuesday.
CDOT advises drivers who encounter an avalanche or powder cloud to follow these instructions:
- Reduce speeds
- Pullover to the shoulder of the highway if possible
- Turn off your vehicle
- Remain in your car
- Call 911 and ask for help
Make sure you're prepared with an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, flares or reflective triangles, an ice scraper, a car cell phone charger, a blanket, a map, cat litter or sand for traction, food and water.
CDOT recommends checking out cotrip.org before heading out.
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