Another thing to be aware of is the 13 mile shoulder express lane that runs EB I-70 from Empire through Idaho Springs, significantly improving traffic flow in that area. Last year it opened in mid-December, so presumably that will happen again this year. I've not heard/read of any plans to NOT use it again this season. It can be open a maximum of 73 days per year, and in 2015 it was open 32 days.
H E R E is more info on the express lane. At the bottom of the screen is a weekly update, which presumably WILL be updated when the lane is activated.