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Avalanche Debris Forces Prolonged Closure At Maroon Bells

ASPEN, Colo. (AP) - The U.S. Forest Service says the popular Maroon Bells Scenic Area in western Colorado will not open as scheduled May 15 because of avalanche debris that must be removed from the access road.

Maroon Bells 3 (USFS Shelly Grail)
(credit: USFS/Shelly Grail)

The Aspen Times reports that the Aspen-Sopris Ranger District is tentatively setting the opening for June 15 after consulting this week with Pitkin County public works officials.

Maroon Bells 2 (USFS Shelly Grail)
(credit: USFS/Shelly Grail)

Maroon Creek Road has been covered by numerous slides in the 7 miles (11.2 kilometers) between T-Lazy-7 Ranch and Maroon Lake. The road is covered with snow several feet (91.4 centimeters) deep as well as tree trunks.

Maroon Bells 1 (USFS Shelly Grail)
(credit: USFS/Shelly Grail)

Sixteen couples planning weddings in view of the Maroon Bells between Memorial Day Weekend and June 14 have been notified that they have to change their plans.

RELATED: With Debris-Filled Snowpack, Officials Are Concerned About Spring Runoff

(© Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.) 

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