An avalanche near Loveland Pass on February 14th left one vehicle flipped over but, remarkably, no injuries or fatalities were reported. First responders swiftly arrived at the scene, confirming that the driver of the car was safe and unharmed, despite the dramatic circumstances.
Avalanche Details and Response
The Colorado State Patrol responded to the avalanche around 7:23 p.m. on Highway 6, close to milepost 228, which is a well-known spot called the Seven Sisters Slide area. This location near the Loveland Ski Area is no stranger to snow slides, and on this occasion, the avalanche was significant, stretching an estimated 50 meters (164 feet) wide and reaching depths of 4 to 5 feet.
As the snow roared down, one vehicle was caught in the slide, pushed 50 meters off the road, and flipped over. Thankfully, the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that the driver, who was later identified using the vehicle’s license plate through drone footage, had already safely exited the car before emergency responders arrived on-site.
No Injuries or Fatalities Reported
While the avalanche wreaked havoc on the road and caused significant disruption, no injuries or fatalities were reported. The driver’s quick thinking and escape from the vehicle before the avalanche hit undoubtedly played a critical role in preventing any harm. Authorities were quick to confirm that the driver was accounted for and safe, offering a sigh of relief to the community.
Local agencies, including the Clear Creek County Sheriff’s Office, took swift action by using drones to scan the area, making sure that no one was trapped or in further danger.
Road Closures and Cleanup
As the avalanche and flipped vehicle were cleared, Loveland Pass was closed in both directions, leading to significant delays for travelers in the area. Highway 6 remained shut down into the morning hours of February 15th, with crews working diligently to clear the road and restore access.
The highway reopened by 5:30 a.m. on Saturday, after workers managed to clear snow and debris, allowing traffic to resume. For those traveling in avalanche-prone areas, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable dangers of mountain highways during winter months.
