Travel Trouble Due to the Weather
The heavy winter storm walloping Aspen is bringing headaches to airport travelers. The trouble started yesterday when just one flight landed at the airport out of 32 scheduled. Six outbound flights were able to depart.
Today, the vast majority of flights have been canceled. Although, American Airlines managed to successfully land one inbound flight from Los Angeles. It’s not just snow causing difficulties – the wind is also an issue.
United is sending busses from Denver – based on demand. The airline’s also offering vouchers for other ground transportation options. The rental car fleet is slim at airports throughout the state.
Avalanche Alert Up Through Tomorrow Afternoon
There’s an avalanche warning for the Aspen Zone of Colorado’s backcountry terrain. So far it’s scheduled to continue through Tuesday afternoon as heavy, wet snow with the latest system making it easier for avalanche to happen.
Avalanche danger has risen dramatically in recent days with high winds also playing a role. In many locations there is a heavy, slabby layer of snow that could fracture, causing snow to slide downhill.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center says natural avalanches are likely today along with ones triggered by activity farther away. CAIC experts recommend against being in the backcountry through tomorrow afternoon. Travelers who do venture out should avoid being on or under steep slopes as well as gullies below treeline.
Old Property in Aspen’s Core Sells
One of the original home sites in Aspen’s core has been sold. Known as “The Residences”, the 129 year old property located at Hopkins and Spring Streets sold for $16.25 million earlier this month. The local broker who handled the deal calls the property a rare find in Aspen. The original owner of the property was Julius Berg. He was the first candy maker in Aspen. He lived there along with his daughter, Louise, who was the first girl born in Aspen. The original home was constructed in 1885 and the Berg family lived there until Louise Berg died in 1971. The original asking price was just shy of $18 million when it was listed earlier this year.
Missing Deadlines Means Missing Dollars
Missing deadlines means missing money for the construction company that built the underpass and bus stops on Highway 82 near the Aspen Business Center. The Aspen Daily News reports Flatiron Construction lost $89,000 on its $5.4 million contract. The Front Range firm missed two November 2013 deadlines for the underpass and bus rapid transit stops. An earlier estimate on damages was closer to $300,000. But, a final tally put the number closer to $90,000. In the fall of 2013, a vice president with the company said changes to the project’s structural elements, the troubles moving utility lines, and management changes on the project lead to the delays.
