Interstate 70 over Vail Pass will be closed to travelers starting at 9 a.m. Tuesday for winter maintenance operations, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation.

The closure, stretching from Exit 180 near Vail to Exit 195 near Copper Mountain, is expected to last three to five hours depending on weather conditions.

Motorists are urged to plan for extra travel time or drive through the closure points before the designated closure time of 9 a.m. 

I-70 travelers are also being notified about continued severe weather and treacherous driving conditions. 

Monday, motorists can expect icy and snow-packed roads, as well as heavy snows, strong winds, and low visibility and potential whiteout conditions at times. 

Natural avalanches have already been visible in the mountains — including one near Ten Mile Canyon Monday morning that did not reach the roadway. Berthoud Pass underwent avalanche mitigation work Monday morning that caused debris to reach the roadway.

Another avalanche swept over Loveland Pass over the weekend, trapping one vehicle on the evening of Feb. 14. The avalanche caused Highway 6 to close in both directions while crews cleared the scene and inspected the risk of additional slides. Highway 6 was reopened to traffic on Sunday.

The weather conditions have already caused numerous closures, according to CDOT. Travelers should keep extra food, water, and warm clothing readily available and be prepared for lengthy delays in severe weather conditions.

Visit CoTrip.org for the latest information on road closures and conditions. Visit the Colorado Avalanche Information Center’s website, Colorado.gov/avalanche, for avalanche forecasts.