Avalanche closes down U.S. 40 at Berthoud Pass

avalanches have been frequent over the years. They occur on both sides of the Continental Divide and happen without warning. The dramatic nature of the most recent avalanche that occurred on Berthoud Pass on Saturday, January 7, 2007 caused the event to make national news. The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) reported that the avalanche came in two waves of 150 feet. Two cars were engulfed in the snow, tumbling over and over amidst the tumultuous force. Rescue crews were quickly alerted by back-country skiers who were close by. Of the eight persons involved, no one was seriously injured. Recovery operations of the vehicles commenced on Sunday, utilizing a large diesel tow truck and several workers. The Colorado State Patrol was also on hand for supervisory purposes. Onlookers and curious civilians were chased away by the on-duty patrolmen.

  This avalanche, deemed by officials as “one of the biggest to hit a major highway in Colorado,” was actually not as devastating as previous avalanches. In years past the snow slides were so plentiful that they covered both levels of road in what is known as the Stanley Slide. On February 14, 1945, a snow slide plunged down the steep slopes of 12,516-foot Stanley Mountain, across the highway, and swept an automobile four hundred feet from the road. The car belonged to Harold B. Willis, a Denver dairy salesman, who was killed. Recovery of the automobile and body was conducted by State Patrolman Jim Seabree and members of the Department of Highways. Willis’ body was found one hundred and fifty feet below his automobile.

  Further east along the range from Engelmann Peak (commonly referred to as Crater Mountain due to its dormant volcanic cirque) is another avalanche area known as the Disney Slide. In the 1950s, filmmakers from the Disney Company wished to capture an avalanche on film. The slide was so tremendous, the photographer was killed in the attempt.