Safety closure set for US 550 between Silverton and Purgatory tonight at 8 p.m.

Travel Advisory

Feb. 13, 2025 - Southwestern Colorado - CDOT crews prepare for snow accumulations along all southwest Colorado high mountain passes

Southwest and South-Central Colorado — US Highway 550 Coal Bank and Molas Passes will close at 8 p.m. between Purgatory and Silverton. The overnight safety closure is being implemented due to the intensity of snowfall expected tonight. Colorado Department of Transportation personnel have been monitoring the weather forecast and are bracing for accumulations of up to two inches of snowfall per hour.

The closure points are from just north of Purgatory and Cascade (Mile Point 53) to Silverton (MP 70).

Red Mountain Pass north of Silverton to Ouray will be plowed and remain open overnight.

Coal Bank and Molas passes are expected to be opened by mid-day tomorrow, Fri., Feb.14 after winter maintenance operations are complete in the morning.

Map of US 550 winter safety closure between Cascade to Silverton
Map indicating US 550 winter safety closure from Cascade (Mile Point 53) to Silverton (MP 70)

A Winter Storm Warning has been posted by the National Weather Service. Forecasters for both the NWS and CDOT report that snow will be prevalent across southwest Colorado including mountains and valleys. The San Juan Mountains are particularly favored for heavy snow.

CDOT crews are preparing for winter weather that is expected to hit the region tonight and continue through the weekend. Travelers are advised to be prepared for treacherous road conditions and additional winter safety closures, especially at higher elevations, along all southwest Colorado mountain passes including US 160 Wolf Creek, US 550 Red Mountain/Molas/CoalBank, CO 145 Lizard Head and CO 149 Slumgullion. South-central mountain passes like US 50 Monarch, US 160 La Veta and CO 114 Cochetopa, will see travel impacts as well.

Be prepared!

Travelers are urged to "know before you go!" Check weather and travel resources before hitting the road. Visit COtrip.org for the latest information about potential delays and road closures due to severe weather.