Over 750 locations throughout the state of Colorado are recognized as having chronic rockfall hazards. They can occur at any time from nearly any location along a slope, posing a risk to travelers along the roads below. They occur most frequently in the early spring when there’s abundant moisture and a repeated freeze/thaw cycle.
On Wednesday, May 7, around noon, a large rock fell onto I-70 West at mile marker 235. Multiple calls were made to the Clear Creek Sheriff’s Office about the rock fall and one caller actually witnessed it. Fortunately the driver was able to avoid being struck and nobody was hit or injured by the boulder.
The Colorado Department of Transportation successfully moved the rock off the roadway that same day.
One of the hazards of spring snow, rain and thaw is loose and falling rocks. We received multiple calls about this large rock that fell onto I-70 West at mile marker 235 just after noon today. One of the callers witnessed its fall but thankfully was able to avoid being struck… pic.twitter.com/qkE7YONERs
— Clear Creek Sheriff's Office (@ClearCreekCoSO) May 7, 2025
Rockfalls can be catastrophic and often occur with warning. Most rockfall fatalities in the state occur on roads or major transportation corridors. In order to limit the risk associated with these natural events, the Colorado Department of Transportation conducts rockfall mitigation at specific high hazard locations.
