Cars Buried in Colorado Avalanche Sunday

news image
Top Stories
15 Jan 2024 9:00 PM

FEET of snow has fallen in the highest elevations of the Intermountain West this weekend leading to the high avalanche threat in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. According to the Grand County Sheriff, along the Berthoud Pass, an avalanche occurred Sunday afternoon that led to 10 cars being buried in the snowfall. Thankfully no injuries were reported but US 40 remains closed through Monday night.

With all of the additional heavy snow to come, the avalanche danger will be heightened. When you add heavy snow on top of an already-in-place snowpack, a chunk could break off and slide downhill. High to Extreme avalanche danger is in place for Utah and Colorado through Monday morning with avalanche warnings in effect. Please avoid any backcountry skiing or traveling through mountain roadways.

How do crews try to lessen the impacts of all of this heavy snow? The Department of Transportation in Utah has been working to stay ahead of the avalanche danger late last week - setting off controlled avalanches on Friday.

Snowfall totals have been extreme in the mountains - nearly 4 feet for Utah's highest elevations! This much snow in a short amount of time can overload the slopes with snow weight, making for dangerous conditions for avalanches.

All Weather News
More
Snow Chances For The Mid-South and Southeast This Week

Snow Chances For The Mid-South and Southeast This Week

Forecast TimingA trough of low pressure is ex

12 Jan 2026 3:05 AM
Record Warmth in Store For the West

Record Warmth in Store For the West

Here comes the warmth again across the West!

12 Jan 2026 3:00 AM
Snow Squalls In The Northeast

Snow Squalls In The Northeast

The Northeastern U.S. has been one of the mor

12 Jan 2026 2:45 AM
One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

One Year Later: Palisades and Eaton Fires

It has been one year since the Palisades and

11 Jan 2026 2:05 AM
Severe Threat Has Ended in the South

Severe Threat Has Ended in the South

Outlooks & TimingFriday night and Saturda

10 Jan 2026 8:30 PM
Snow Returns to Ski Country

Snow Returns to Ski Country

It's been a slow start to the ski season for

8 Jan 2026 1:45 AM
Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

Wintry Weather to Rain Chances In The Northeast

NORTHEAST - We've had a series of clipper sys

7 Jan 2026 10:35 AM