Expect Difficult Travel Conditions Due to Winter Weather

Posted By: Terry West February 1, 2022

Colorado Department of Transportation crews are ready and prepared for the anticipated round of winter weather to hit Colorado late today through tomorrow evening.

Heavy snow accumulations are expected for all mountain ranges of southwest and south-central Colorado. Travel is expected to be difficult with blowing snow and low visibility. Freezing temperatures will also create icy and slick road conditions. If possible, avoiding or limiting travel during the brunt of the storm overnight Tuesday through most of Wednesday is highly advised.  

The National Weather Service forecast states that snow is expected to develop over the mountains late this afternoon and early evening then continue to spread east along the Front Range. Snow will increase overnight and into Wednesday. Anywhere from six inches to two feet of snow across southern and south-central Colorados’ mountain ranges, with the most significant accumulations expected on US 160 Wolf Creek, US 160 La Veta, and CO 17 La Manga-Cumbres passes.  

Today, CDOT crews started 24/7 snow shifts and will be plowing and treating roadways as needed. Once the storm has cleared after Wednesday, periodic road closures can be expected on mountain passes to allow for avalanche mitigation operations, possibly Thursday.

Traveling During Snowstorms

  • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the snowstorm. Work from home if you can.
  • If you must travel, make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires and snow emergency kit.
  • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.
  • Give plows space! Stay back four car lengths from snow plows. Never pass plows on the right.

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts, anticipated travel impacts, and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include:

Chain and Traction Laws

When weather and road conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Traction and Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists are alerted to active and current Traction or Chain Laws by highway signage, COtrip.org, and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

Watch Where You Park

Backcountry users and recreationists are urged to “watch where you park!” CDOT maintenance crews’ first priority is clearing the travel lanes of highways. Once this has been accomplished, crews will then clear the shoulders of the roadway and parking areas as time and resources permit. Please remember to park only in clearly marked and designated parking areas. Anyone leaving a vehicle unattended on the side of the road, runs the risk of breaking the law, being fined, and having their vehicle towed away by law enforcement. (Download the flyer: “Watch Where You Park”) 

Avalanche Forecast Info

Backcountry users are urged to check avalanche conditions at the CAIC website: www.avalanche.state.co.us.

Terry West
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