LAKE/PITKIN COUNTIES – The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) announced the temporarily closure of Independence Pass today, Oct. 27, at 3 p.m. due to a winter storm warning and heavy snow predicted above 8,000 feet in elevation.

This closure includes the area from just east of Aspen to west of Twin Lakes, approximately 18 miles.

According to the warning, snow is expected to develop later this evening and continue until Thursday evening, with total snowfall accumulation reaching up to 16 inches in the high country. Strong winds are predicted, making travel across Independence Pass and other high-elevation highways hazardous or impossible.

“For safety, we want to be ahead of the storm—we do not want people to get caught in this,” CDOT Maintenance Supervisor D'Wayne Gaymon said.

A re-opening of the 12,095-foot pass will depend upon the results of the storm and whether it's feasible and safe to open it again before the pass's regularly scheduled seasonal closure of Nov. 7 at 2 p.m., according to CDOT.

Those with questions are encouraged to check CDOT's traveler information site at www.cotrip.org under Alerts and Restrictions to determine the status of this and other seasonal passes.

For road condition information, the public may also call 511 from anywhere in the state.

The alternate route to Aspen during the months Independence Pass is closed is I-70 to Glenwood Springs, and SH 82 into Aspen.