I-70 through Glenwood Canyon closure continues through the weekend as crews make progress in clearing mudslides

Glenwood Canyon Photos & Media Kit

Glenwood Canyon – I-70 through Glenwood Canyon will continue to be closed through the entire weekend as crews clear heavy debris from mudslides caused by flash flooding Thursday night. They hauled 135 truck loads of mud and rocks so far today. As long as weather conditions are safe, CDOT crews work aggressively to clear the debris and drain the water from the roadway. While much progress has been made today, there remains the danger and risk of more slides with heavy rain in the forecast.

Latest pictures from July 31, 2021:

Flash Flood Watch Through Midnight

According to the National Weather Service, a Flash Flood Watch continues for Glenwood Canyon through midnight. Monsoonal moisture remains entrenched over portions of west central Colorado. This includes the Grizzly Creek and Lake Christine Fire Burn Scars as well as the Park and Gore Ranges, Flat Tops, Elk Mountains and Colorado River Basin and Central Mountain Valleys. Burn scars will be especially susceptible to heavy rainfall leading to quick runoff and mud flows.

Detour Route Around I-70 Glenwood Canyon

CDOT strongly asks that motorists use the recommended northern alternate route via I-70 - CO 9 - US 40 - CO 13. Westbound motorists from the Denver metro area should exit I-70 at Exit 205 (Silverthorne) and travel north on Colorado Highway 9 towards Kremmling. Travelers will continue west on US Highway 40 and then south on CO 13 to complete the alternate route and return to westbound I-70 at Rifle (Exit 90). Eastbound travelers can detour using the same route in reverse. 

Travel Tips

• Plan ahead, know before you go and check for the latest road conditions by going to COtrip.org.
• Know the latest weather conditions.
• Give yourself extra time and avoid traveling during adverse weather conditions.
• Have an emergency kit in your vehicle, including extra food, water, medicine, clothing, batteries, and other necessities – enough to sustain you for ten hours.
• Make sure your car is in safe driving condition with adequate tires.
• When on the road, obey the speed limit and don’t follow too closely; speeding and tailgating are among the leading causes of crashes, injuries, and fatalities.