The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) issued the following press release Thursday regarding a major winter storm expected to significantly impact mountain travel this weekend.
Snow again spread across the state this weekend, with most of the impact occurring in southwestern Colorado and the high plains. Showers or snow will begin to spread into the Four Corners Thursday night and spread north into Friday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall during this period should be concentrated mainly in the southern mountains. Snow is expected to fall in the northern and central Colorado mountains Friday evening and continue into Saturday night. This snowfall is expected to coincide with ski traffic along the mountain corridor along Interstate 70 Friday night. Motorists should prepare for expected travel disruptions throughout the day on Saturday. Current snow totals could be 1 to 2 feet or more on most of Colorado's mountain passes.
“Travel on Colorado's mountain trails this weekend, particularly along the Interstate 70 mountain corridor, will be difficult not only due to the predicted weather, but also due to traffic congestion as people climb to take advantage of the fresh snow. '' said John Rome, director of maintenance and operations for the Colorado Department of Transportation. “Congestion is expected along the corridor this weekend, so please be patient and avoid causing road closures. Make sure your vehicle is fully equipped for winter weather before heading out. and pack essentials such as blankets, extra coats, water, food, and entertainment in your vehicle in case road closures are expected.The best way to reach your destination safely is to Drive safely and maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you.
Heavy snow is expected to fall over the weekend on U.S. 40 Bertude Pass, a popular backcountry recreation area in the highlands of southwestern Colorado, creating a possible avalanche risk throughout the weekend. With heavy snow expected, backcountry recreation participants should be careful not only for their own safety, but also for the safety of motorists along Colorado highways, to prevent those recreating from sliding snow onto roadways. People are being asked to avoid areas along roadways to prevent the spread of traffic. Drivers should prepare for possible safety closures as CDOT and Colorado Avalanche Information Center crews conduct avalanche mitigation operations. Backcountry users should check Colorado.gov/avalanche for current snow forecasts and be aware of avalanche conditions before heading out.
“Backcountry avalanche conditions will change throughout the weekend as the storm moves through the state,” said Ethan Green, director of the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. “Avalanche danger is high in most mountain areas on Saturday, and dangerous conditions are expected to continue into Monday.”
If you encounter an avalanche while driving, there are several things you can do to stay safe.
- Stay in your car and keep your windows open.
- Turn off your car's engine to prevent carbon monoxide from filling the car.
- Please call for help on your mobile phone.
- Plan ahead and keep extra food, water, warm clothing, and blankets in your car during the winter months.
East of the Continental Divide, storms are expected to arrive later and be of shorter duration. Heavy rain and snow is expected in parts of eastern Colorado from Friday night into Saturday night. A wet, slushy snow mix is possible in the Foothills and Palmer watershed Friday evening into Saturday night. Urban areas along I-25 could see a mix of rain and snow Saturday into Sunday morning. Most of the storm will subside by Sunday morning, but rain and snow are still possible across the eastern Plains.
Backcountry recreation near roads or on avalanche terrain is not recommended this weekend, but CDOT advises those recreating elsewhere to use caution when parking. Skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobiles should only park in clearly marked designated parking areas. Look for caution signs telling you not to stop or stand in avalanche areas. These areas are avalanche-prone, so never park your vehicle or trailer in an avalanche-prone area. Slide areas are also often located where avalanche mitigation operations may be planned. Never Park Your vehicle on the shoulder of a highway also prevents CDOT management from safely clearing snow and ice from the roadway and creates a safety hazard for snowplows, other motorists, and commercial traffic. Please also be aware of potential dangers.
Before heading out this weekend, motorists can use CDOT's COtrip.org or COtrip Planner apps to get real-time information on road closures and conditions, check live cameras, and check if chain and traction laws are in effect. You need to check whether it is. . Due to posting restrictions on the X Platform (formerly Twitter), updates may not be posted to his CDOT profile as they have been in past years. Visit COtrip.org, download the COtrip Planner app to stay informed, or sign up for travel alerts delivered straight to your phone.
For a stress-free journey up the mountain, take advantage of CDOT's bus and shuttle services. Snowstang transports weekend travelers to Arapahoe Basin, Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Loveland Ski Area, and Steamboat Springs. CDOT's Pegasus shuttle service takes you from Denver's Union Station to Idaho Springs, Frisco, Vail, and Avon.
Winter travel tips for drivers
- Avoid or limit driving during the height of the storm. Many parts of the state will experience strong winds, pounding pavement and blowing snow.
- Work from home if possible.
- If you're planning a trip, check the latest weather conditions and check road conditions on COtrip.org to stay informed before you go (see sources below).
- Winter-ready your car with tires appropriate for the weather and a snow emergency kit.
- Once you are on the road, do not stop suddenly, leave plenty of distance between vehicles, and drive slowly.
- Please give us space to clear the snow! Stay 3-4 cars away from snowplows.
safety closure
Safety closures are precautionary measures taken during inclement weather to reduce the likelihood of traffic accidents, increased congestion, or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped, diverted or directed to an exit on the interstate. Safety closures reduce delay times and, above all, protect traveler safety.
Chains and traction laws
If weather conditions warrant, CDOT will invoke tow laws. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will invoke chain laws on passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists are alerted to valid tow or chain laws by highway signs, COtrip.org, and traffic/road condition alerts. For more information about towing law and vehicle chain law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/Winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information about Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and see helpful winter driving tips, visit Winter.codot.gov.
COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App
If drivers must be out during this winter storm, they are encouraged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app in advance. Drivers can now sign up for travel alerts through her COtrip.org to see if there are any highway closures or impacts on their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a 'Trip Planner' feature that allows drivers to plan their route and receive updates on road closures and accidents along the way. Drivers can turn on the 'hands-free, eyes-free' feature to receive these alerts via audio notification and avoid affected routes.
The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to address the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for travelers. The COtrip Planner app provides real-time traffic information across the state and works on mobile devices running iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or Apple Store (iOS devices) to download.
Know before you go
Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Before you go, gather information about the weather forecast, expected travel impacts, and current road conditions. CDOT resources include:
