Motorists encouraged to be alert for possible small bank slides on US 40 Berthoud Pass due to warming temperatures and heavy snow

Travel Advisory

March 21, 2024 - Northwestern Colorado - CDOT is prepositioning equipment and crews to monitor and quickly respond to slides
A bank slide took place along US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024. CDOT crews quickly responded and safely cleared the roadway. Another bank slide took place later that day.
A bank slide took place along US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024. CDOT crews quickly responded and safely cleared the roadway. Another bank slide took place later that day.
A vehicle next to one of two bank slides that took place along US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024.
A vehicle next to one of two bank slides that took place along US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024.

Grand County — The Colorado Department of Transportation encourages motorists on US 40 Berthoud Pass to be alert for small bank slides in the coming days, especially during the warmer daylight hours. Warm temperatures and heavy snow from previous storms create conditions where small snow slides are likely. Two slides took place on Wednesday, March 20 at Mile Point 237.5, which is on the west side of the pass. No vehicles were involved. CDOT crews are positioned on the pass to monitor conditions in real time at that and other locations. Equipment is also in place so that crews can respond and safely clear snow as quickly as possible.

Bank slides along US 40 Berthoud Pass are more challenging to prevent due to different factors. Traditional methods are limited due to rock fencing placed above the roadway. The fencing protects travelers from rockfall once the snow has melted. Motorists that encounter avalanche debris across the highway should not attempt to drive through the debris. Travelers should call emergency services for help and stay in their vehicle.

Motorists should be prepared through this week and the weekend to encounter equipment as CDOT crews clear small slides. Travelers should slow down, drive carefully and provide space for crews and machinery.

The bank slides on Tuesday, March 20, 2024, took place at Mille Point 237.5 on US 40 Berthoud Pass.
The bank slides on Tuesday, March 20, 2024, took place at Mille Point 237.5 on US 40 Berthoud Pass.
CDOT crews clear one of two bank slides on US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024.
CDOT crews clear one of two bank slides on US 40 Berthoud Pass the morning of Tuesday, March 20, 2024.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Remember: Slow For The Cone Zone

The following tips are to help you stay safe while traveling through maintenance and construction work zones.

  • Do not speed in work zones. Obey the posted speed limits.
  • Stay Alert! Expect the unexpected.
  • Watch for workers. Drive with caution.
  • Don't change lanes unnecessarily.
  • Avoid using mobile devices such as phones while driving in work zones.
  • Turn on headlights so that workers and other drivers can see you.
  • Be especially alert at night while driving in work zones.
  • Expect delays, especially during peak travel times.
  • Allow ample space between you and the car in front of you.
  • Anticipate lane shifts and merge when directed to do so.
  • Be patient!

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