Rock fall forces shutdown of US 550 south of Ouray

There’s no estimate yet on when Red Mountain Pass near Ouray will reopen.

U.S. 550 was closed in both directions Monday because of a long-lasting rock slide.

The Colorado Department of Transportation says rocks began tumbling onto the road Sunday evening, and by Monday the rock fall was described as continuous. A rock fall contractor is expected to inspect the pass Tuesday morning by helicopter and on the ground.

Rocks up to 6 inches in diameter are covering about 200 feet of highway, and a pile 8 feet deep formed at one spot. Rocks also severed a power line.

CDOT spokeswoman Nancy Shanks told The Durango Herald that the slide is probably the result of a deep freeze-and-thaw process, which she said is unusual for this time of year.