NEWS RELEASE
February 26, 2025
Contact: Jennifer Peterson, Public Information Officer
jpeterson@ourayco.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Temporary Road Closure on Camp Bird Road Pending Further Geological Analysis
Ouray County, Colo – Ouray County Road and Bridge, in partnership, and with full support of the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office, will be temporarily closing Camp Bird Road (CR-361) 3.5 miles from US Highway 550 and roughly 200 yards beyond the Senator Gulch gate, for public safety and enforcement due to a significant rockfall incident that was reported on February 25, 2025.
Early in the morning of Wednesday, February 26, 2025, the county Road & Bridge Superintendent met with representatives from the Revenue Mine and observed and documented the magnitude of the rockslide and the damage it has caused to Camp Bird Road (CR-361). A portion of the road is completely blocked and there is significant damage to the Hilficker retaining wall.
A preliminary review of drone footage of the area was conducted by Buckhorn Engineering on the afternoon of February 26, 2025, and a certified professional geologist alerted the County that the area is not safe and is considered life-threatening and more rockfall is likely, due to fluctuating cool and warm temperatures.
After extensive consultation with state emergency management officials, county administration, county legal counsel, road & bridge superintendent, sheriff, and public information officer, the decision to place a full temporary closure on this portion of the road, was deemed absolutely necessary for public safety as well as safety of mitigation crews.
While this temporary road closure is in effect, the Ouray County Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing any violations of disregard to formal traffic control devices and road closure notices. Further on-site analysis by Buckhorn Engineering will be conducted tomorrow morning and upon analysis, further actions may be taken in response to the temporary road closure, including a possible Emergency Disaster Declaration.
Please heed these critical safety warnings and stay clear of this area until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation.
You can view the drone footage here.
