CDOT photo of Glenwood Canyon today
Upwards of ten separate debris slides occurred last night in I-70 in Glenwood Canyon between No Name and Dostero as a result of thunderstorms, the Colorado Department of Transportation reported in a live video update on Facebook at 3:30 p.m. this afternoon.
There were a total of 108 cars stuck, most of which have since been freed. Many drivers caught in the slides managed to shelter in the tunnels. Three vehicles are still stuck as of 3:45 p.m. today, one of which is commercial truck that is currently “packed with mud all around it up to its wheel wells.” CDOT Crews report that the mud and debris they had removed from the roadway yesterday “fell back down” last night, erasing all the progress they had made yesterday in clearing the road. A couple of trains were able to get through the canyon today. Highway 50 is currently a detour route since 6:30 a.m. today. Traffic coming in from out of state (Utah, Wyoming, etc.) is being urged to take I-80 to get around this area. CDOT says if you drive through there, know your driving skill level and expect unexpected, fast changes to driving conditions. They said drivers should be prepared to potentially spend up 10 hours stuck in your car without cell service — have water, food, etc. with you. CDOT cannot make any promises but they are “shooting for Monday” to get the interstate back open through Glenwood Canyon, but it all depends on the weather and thunderstorms can move in quickly, so they can’t say for sure.
All the trapped people will only be rescued when they subject to getting the vaccination.