Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) has issued a warning to be on the lookout for undetonated bombs from avalanche mitigation. The devices are shaped like small torpedos and are brightly colored with yellow, blue, or orange.
If you find one, contact CDOT or local law enforcement so it can be properly disposed of. The undetonated explosives are likely duds, but should still be handled by a professional.
CDOT to Hikers: Watch out for un-exploded avalanche charges https://t.co/sbS89TxHwP pic.twitter.com/QyLniZD2Cu
— FOX31 Denver KDVR (@KDVR) April 18, 2019
COLORADO AVALANCHE SEASON
Colorado has had a record year for avalanche activity. By March, they had already surpassed the annual average of 2,500 slides. As a result, many mountain passes were closed for avalanche mitigation, including Red Mountain which was closed for 19 days.
CDOT reports more than 1500 explosives were discharged throughout Colorado, and 22 went undetonated. 13 of those devices are located in the San Juan mountains which include popular hunting areas.
“It’s not unknown for someone to come across a device that has not detonated, but they are in very rugged terrain,” said CDOT spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes. “We don’t want to scare anyone, but at the same time, we want to advise the public of the best safety instructions.”
CDOT says they are tracking where each of the bombs are located and will attempt to collect them as conditions improve. Avalanche mitigation is still ongoing in Colorado, so with a 1% device failure rate, more explosives could be left behind before the season is over.
Are the record snow levels keeping you inside this spring? Or will the shed season opener on May 1st motivate you to brave the snow and bombs?
