The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has made significant decisions regarding avalanche mitigation on Loveland Pass. A recent vote by the Colorado Transportation Commission authorized the allocation of $2 million. This funding will be used to replace the existing, and now problematic, avalanche mitigation systems.
Concerns Over Current Avalanche Mitigation Systems
Installed in 2015, the Gazex systems have faced reliability issues. According to Bethany Nicholas, CDOT’s Deputy Chief Financial Officer, these systems have proven to be “unreliable” and pose a significant risk of catastrophic failure. Notably, the systems located on the east side of Loveland Pass have recorded three failures, the most recent of which occurred last February.
Background on the Seven Sisters Slide Path
The Seven Sisters is an area known for frequent avalanches. Last winter, a vehicle was caught in an avalanche originating from this path. Fortunately, there were no injuries, although the incident resulted in the temporary closure of Loveland Pass.
Details on Replacement Plan
Shawn Smith, Director of CDOT Division of Maintenance and Operations, clarified that while the failures of these avalanche systems are concerning, they do not pose a direct risk to public safety. When a failure occurs, the system essentially “self-implodes,” necessitating manual removal of the damaged components. In such cases, maintenance teams switch to an alternate method of avalanche control using a compressed-gas cannon, known as an avalauncher.
CDOT is considering a more reliable avalanche mitigation system similar to those used along the Interstate 70 corridor. These newer systems can be more efficiently loaded by helicopter, enhancing operational reliability.
Current Status and Future Plans
The $2 million designated for the replacement of the Gazex systems is part of CDOT’s program reserve balance. While the decision to replace the systems at Loveland Pass has been finalized, CDOT has yet to determine which new avalanche mitigation technology will be deployed. Current Gazex systems located on Berthoud Pass, Monarch Pass, and U.S. Highway 550 are also acknowledged, but no replacement plans for these units have been specified.
Despite the existing Gazex systems being out of warranty, Stacia Sellers, CDOT Strategic Communications Lead, confirmed that they remain operational. Replacement is scheduled for the summer months, and she assured that avalanche mitigation activities will continue safely during this transition. The public will not experience disruptions from these changes.
