U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass and U.S. 550 mountain corridor scheduled to close

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) will implement a safety closure at 10 p.m. this evening for U.S. 550 north of Purgatory ski area to Ouray, due to adverse weather conditions and high avalanche danger. The corridor is expected to remain closed through the evening and crews will begin snow clearing operations Wednesday morning. The exact time of reopening is not known.

Additionally, CDOT will perform critical winter maintenance operations on U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass beginning at 5:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 7. Motorists should plan for the closure to remain in place for much of the morning. Crews will work swiftly and safely to complete winter maintenance operations however, the exact time of reopening is not known.

Expected snow accumulations and strong winds are forecasted to increase avalanche danger on multiple southwest mountain passes this week. Travelers can expect additional safety and maintenance closures throughout the duration of this storm and are urged to check www.COtrip.org for the most current highway updates. 
 

U.S. 550 mountain corridor safety closure to begin at 10 p.m. Feb. 6 

Motorists traveling Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain Passes between Durango and Ouray will encounter closed gates due to hazardous travel conditions. Do not attempt to bypass the closed gates.

• South closure point: Cascade Creek (mile point 53), between Purgatory Ski Resort and Silverton.
• North closure point: Ouray (mile point 92), between Ouray and Ironton.

U.S. 160 Wolf Creek Pass closure to begin at 5:30 a.m. Feb. 7

Motorists traveling between Pagosa Springs and South Fork will encounter full stops for most of the morning. Motorists are urged to allow for extra travel time or seek alternate routes. 

• West closure point: Treasure Falls (mile point 157), 13 miles east of Pagosa Springs.
• East closure point: Wolf Creek Pass Ski Area (mile point 167), 19 miles west of South Fork.