ASPEN — Last year there was so much snow on Independence Pass, southeast of Aspen, that crews from the Colorado Department of Transportation didn’t even start clearing Highway 82 until early May.This year the snow level is so low that crews may open the road sooner than the traditional date of just prior to Memorial Day.“It’s too soon to tell. We’re definitely going to revisit this in late April,” said CDOT spokeswoman Nancy Shanks.The highway traditionally opens at 2 p.m. on the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend.Shanks said officials will look at the long-range weather forecast to help determine whether the road should be opened early.Another consideration is the Ride for the Pass, an annual benefit bike ride to raise money for the Independence Pass Foundation. Last year it was canceled because of poor weather and snow on the road. This year it is scheduled May 19.“They’re used to having the race with no traffic,” Shanks said.The Ride for the Pass is entering its 18th year. Roughly 500 riders have entered the event for each of the last 10 years, according to Independence Pass Foundation Director Mark Fuller. Last year was the first time it was canceled because of bad weather.

Palmer Ridge’s Julia Gramlich, left, chases down Air Academy’s Miranda Beal in the first half of Air Academy’s win Wednesday, April 5, 2012 at Don Breese Stadium. Photo by Mark Reis, The Gazette Photo by MARK REIS, THE GAZETTE

MARK REIS

Snow covered land on both sides of the roadway atop Independence Pass even after the road opened in 2011. Photo by Nathan Van Dyne, The Gazette