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US 550 back open between Ouray and Silverton over Red Mountain Pass after avalanche danger

Posted at 1:54 PM, Dec 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-18 16:57:16-05

Red Mountain Pass on US Highway (US) 550 between Silverton and Ouray is back open after it was closed due to high avalanche danger in the mountains, the Colorado Department of Transportation said

This was a precautionary closure as an avalanche was reported approximately seven miles north of Silverton, which covered a 200 foot stretch of the highway.

“We are going to play it safe and close the road. Once we can clearly see what the conditions are tomorrow morning, we will then make an assessment of opening the pass,” said Region 5 Regional Transportation Director, Mike McVaugh.

As night fell over the mountains, CDOT crews were unable to determine if there is more snow capable of sliding down the path.  

The highway was back open at 12:30 p.m. Sunday

Below, a map of the areas affected by this avalanche warning.  

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