Independence Pass is one of the most famous roads in Colorado, connecting Twin Lakes to Aspen at a peak elevation of 12,095 feet.
On Tuesday, May 14, CDOT is blasting it into summertime.
Using a helictoper, crews with CDOT and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center will huck avalanche bombs at the snow lingering high on Independence Pass.
Avalanche blasting is one of the final precautions CDOT takes before opening Independence Pass to the public. Every year the road closes in October or November and reopens as soon as snow allows. CDOT often aims for Memorial Day weekend.
No estimated date yet for reopening this summer.
More details from CDOT:
CDOT’s avalanche team will be conducting a helicopter mission, which is part of the Department’s efforts to reopen the Pass to the public for the season.
CDOT crews have been making steady progress on clearing snow to reach the summit, but once the snow is removed there will be maintenance work to complete in order to get the pass open for the season.