ESTES PARK, Colo. — We were talking about a heat wave and record high temperatures in the metro area only a few weeks ago, yet whiteout conditions and ice closed two mountain roads in Colorado on Friday.
> The video above shows what Trail Ridge Road looked like when it closed for the season last November.
Both Trail Ridge Road and Old Fall River Road in Rocky Mountain National Park closed around 8 a.m.
The National Park Service said there were whiteout conditions and ice buildup due to overnight snow. Snowplow operators were sent to help clear the roadways (not something you often hear in August).
Trail Ridge Road reopened around noon and Old Fall River Road reopened about 45 minutes later.
A dusting of snow was also seen on traffic cameras at Rabbit Ears Pass and Cameron Pass in northwest Colorado on Friday.
Trail Ridge Road is the highest continuous paved road in the United States, climbs to 12,183 feet and connects the towns of Estes Park and Grand Lake.
Trail Ridge Road historically opens on Memorial Day weekend and remains open as long as weather conditions allow. The earliest the road has opened was on May 7, 2002; the latest June 26, 1943. Last year, the road closed for the season on Nov. 17.
You can find out the latest Trail Ridge Road conditions by contacting the recorded status line at 970-586-1222.
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