UPDATE ― MOUNTAIN CORRIDOR TRAVEL ADVISORY ― Snow Storm Expected to Intensify After 6 PM High Country Travelers Urged: Head Home Early

January 6, 2017

 

STATEWIDE ― Snow is expected to start falling in the Colorado high country around noon today, with the most significant snowfall predicted for the early evening.

“We encourage the traveling public to keep an eye on this storm today,” urged CDOT’s Director of Highway Maintenance Kyle Lester. “While many residents and state visitors have headed up to our mountains and resorts to enjoy a day of skiing, we strongly advise them to watch the weather and think about getting back to their homes before the storm intensifies and creates treacherous driving conditions.”    

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a winter weather advisory for much of Colorado’s high country including the I-70 corridor, Central Mountains, Southwest San Juan Mountains beginning this afternoon and continuing through Sunday morning.

Because snow accumulations could reach five to ten inches at higher elevations, motorists are reminded to be prepared for the enforcement of chain laws and the possibility of safety closures.  Safety closures are conducted when road conditions become unsafe. The closures allow time for patrols to work efficiently and return the highway to a safe condition for travelers.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:  CDOT has broad authority to close any portion of a state highway to traffic due to a natural disaster, weather conditions, or any other emergency circumstances resulting in making road conditions unsafe for travel by motor vehicles.  That authority includes closing a road to traffic if determined necessary.
AVOID A FINE!  Motorists should be aware the Traction Law (Code 15) and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law (Code 16) could be implemented if conditions require it.  When either law is in effect, highway signage will be activated. Without proper equipment, you can be fined $130. If your vehicle blocks the roadway, you could be fined more than $650.

  • Traction Law — motorists will need snow tires, tires with mud/snow (M/S) designation, or a four-wheel drive vehicle, all tires must have a minimum one-eighth inch tread.

  • Passenger Vehicle Chain Law — every vehicle on the roadway must have chains or an alternative traction device (like AutoSock).

SNOW PLOW TRACKER: The public can view snow plow locations on any device by clicking http://cotrip.org/snowplow.htm#/snowplow  (also see upper right hand corner of cotrip.org menu).  Using this information, motorists will be able to see plows’ current locations, their travel speed and direction they are traveling. Plows that have not moved for more than 16 minutes will not be visible.
STAY INFORMED: