As the latest winter storm pummels Colorado high country before heading on down to the Front Range, road conditions are icy and snow-packed, with CDOT recommending that anyone starting out to go anywhere onto higher mountain roads check CDOT’s COTrip website for updated information, road conditions, and road closures.
Looking eastbound at Monarch Pass at around 11:40 a.m. Saturday courtesy of CDOT.
At this time of year, major snowstorms are seen as welcome news in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, for a variety of reasons, not the least of which; it fuels our winter recreational tourism, and it feeds the critical snowpack that provides our water.
This storm isn’t our usual champagne power – it is wet and heavy, fueled by a strong “pineapple express” coming out of the Pacific Ocean and more like a late spring storm.
A winter storm warning remains in effect for much of the central mountains until late Sunday afternoon, February 4, and the storm is moving into the Front Range, switching over to rain, and then back to snow.
Travel in many parts of our area isn’t good right now:
U.S. 50 over Monarch Pass has warnings out for the road between Maysville and Garfield for icy conditions under the snow. It is requiring chains or alternative traction devices for all commercial motor vehicles including buses and vans of 16 or more passenger capacity.
Between U.S. 50 and U.S .285 (Saguache) from Mile Point 0 to Mile Point 61.7. CDOT is reporting adverse conditions; snow with icy and snow-packed spots, and wind gusts of up to 44 mph.
U.S. 285 in both directions across Park County is reporting snow-packed and icy roads. Passenger vehicle traction laws are in effect (for those unfamiliar with this term: Passenger vehicles are required to have mud or snow tires or use chains or alternative traction devices or be a four wheel drive or all wheel drive vehicle). Commercial chain laws are also in effect.
Between Friday and Saturday, there have been accidents north of Fairplay that closed the road for periods. Snow plows are in action attempting to keep the roads open, and wind is picking up.
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