More than 3 inches of rain fell in a 24-hour period in the Dolores Valley triggering mudslides onto Colorado Highway 145 near Stoner Wednesday afternoon.
Slick red mud caused restricted travel at mile-marker 31 to four-wheel drive only, according to the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office.
Colorado Department of Transportation crews were dispatched to clear the road at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, and it was re-opened at 8 p.m.
“It was small by CDOT standards and the road was never closed,” said Nancy Shank, CDOT spokeswoman.
The recent monsoons have wreaked havoc on Highway 145. In August several mudslides caused closures west of Telluride. Repairs had to made to the shoulder and guardrail, and debris was cleared from the roadway and ditch.
“They had to clear 29 culverts of mud from that stretch,” Shank said.
The cleanup could cost up to $250,000 to complete.
