Colorado to Ring in New Year with Winter Storm Making Travel Difficult in the High Country Drivers urged to use caution and plan ahead

COLORADO ― As 2021 comes to a close, the Colorado Department of Transportation advises travelers to be prepared for a winter storm expected to continue to affect Colorado through Friday, that will dump measurable snow on Colorado’s mountains and cause temperatures to plunge.

Motorists should plan to avoid holiday travel Thursday night into early Saturday morning, as the brunt of the storm and heavy snowfall impacts areas of the state. CDOT reminds motorists to check COtrip.org for road conditions and weather forecasts before traveling.

The storm is expected to drop several inches of snow across Colorado’s Western Slope mountains, with the majority of the snow forecasted for the southwest mountains. The Front Range will see much colder temperatures and some accumulation of snow, while the Eastern Plains will experience strong, gusting winds. High-profile vehicles are urged to use extreme caution. Winter weather could create hazardous driving conditions across much of Colorado on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

Winter may have had a delayed start this season, but there have been several waves of snow impacting mountain travel throughout the holidays, with the first wave hitting the Western Slope on Dec. 23. While travelers on the Front Range and Eastern Plains saw little to no impact from the storm, motorists traveling the western half of the state encountered high-intensity snowfall rates and strong winds. These conditions led to natural avalanches and mitigation efforts with multiple mountain pass closures throughout the state.

“This week’s storms have brought significant accumulations across the mountains,” CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew said. “As travelers plan to enjoy a holiday weekend in Colorado’s beautiful places, please be mindful of the times when driving will be more challenging — especially as the storm picks up throughout the day on Thursday and is most intense on Friday. Visitors should ensure that rental vehicles are equipped for snow with all-wheel or four-wheel drive and ensure compliance with traction law requirements and safety best practices.”

CDOT anticipates heavy traffic in the High Country as winter recreational enthusiasts take advantage of the fresh snowfall, along with New Year’s holiday traffic. CDOT warns of potential road closures if avalanche mitigation is needed along mountain passes. With significant amounts of snowfall expected, this important winter maintenance work will be likely. Check avalanche conditions at the Colorado Avalanche Information Center: www.avalanche.state.co.us

John Lorme, CDOT’s director of maintenance and operations, implored drivers to never pass a snowplow. "Plows have large blind spots where the plow driver cannot see you, so never pass a snowplow,” Lorme said. “Additionally, snowplows often move at much slower speeds than surrounding traffic and may stop as they approach traffic hazards ahead. So please be patient, and give our plow drivers the space they need to clear the roads effectively and efficiently."

Travel Impacts

I-70 Mountain Corridor, North-Central and Northeast Colorado

Heavy snow and delays are likely on I-70 at the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, at Vail Pass and in Glenwood Canyon. Road closures may be necessary for maintenance crews to carry out avalanche mitigation. Northeast Colorado will see snow in the mountain areas much of the week with the best chance for 1-3 inches of snow on Friday evening.

Western, Southwestern & South-Central Colorado

There will be several highway passes in northwest Colorado with heavy snowfall, including US Highway 40 at Rabbit Ears Pass and Berthoud Pass, Colorado Highway 91 on Fremont Pass, Colorado Highway 9 on Hoosier Pass, Colorado Highway 133 on McClure Pass and Colorado Highway 65 on Grand Mesa. Road closures may be necessary for maintenance crews to carry out avalanche mitigation.

US highways, state roadways and high mountain passes throughout southwest and south-central Colorado will continue to receive significant snowfall accumulations through New Year’s Eve. Travelers should also be advised that this week's winter storms, expected through New Years Day, may prompt unexpected safety closures on mountain passes. CDOT and/or the Colorado State Patrol may implement safety closures due to adverse driving conditions — strong winds, blowing snow, snow packed/icy roads and whiteout conditions.

I-25 Corridor and Front Range

Light snowfall accumulations will be possible for the I-25 corridor and Front Range on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day. Widespread snow and strong winds will cause slick travel conditions. Strong wind gusts will likely generate high wind restrictions along the corridor.

Snowstang

As an alternative to driving in the mountains this weekend and for greater peace of mind, motorists will be able to take advantage of CDOT’s recently reintroduced Snowstang. Snowstang will provide Saturday and Sunday round-trip bus service between Denver and the Loveland Ski Area, Arapahoe Basin, Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs.

For all three lines, passengers can board at Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center. Round-trip tickets for Loveland Ski Area and Arapahoe Basin start at $25. A round-trip to Steamboat Springs (Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill) is $40. Additional discounts will be available for seniors and children. To purchase tickets, visit www.ridebustang.com or download the Bustang mobile app, JustRide Bustang, for iOS or Android.

Operated by Ace Express Coaches, LLC of Golden, Snowstang coaches carry 51 passengers, are climate-controlled and have Wi-Fi access, a restroom and USB and power outlets. Let Snowstang do the driving and parking for you.

Chain and Traction Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law 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”)

Before You Travel This Winter

• Have a plan. Prepare a winterized emergency vehicle kit. Always plan your route in advance and be sure to let someone know your route and ETA. Check road conditions at COtrip.org.
• Check your tires. It’s tire buying season! Make sure to check the air pressure in all tires, including your spare, and that your tires have good tread — at least 3/16”.
• Perform a safety check. Give your vehicle a tune-up before long trips. This includes getting an oil change if necessary, inspecting the battery, brakes and pads and wiper blades.
• Ensure you have a full tank of gas, and lastly, check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights.
• Know the laws. When weather conditions warrant, CDOT implements Passenger Vehicle Traction and Chain Laws. Head over to CDOT’s Traction & Chain Laws page for the most up-to-date laws.

While You're on the Road

• Drive for the conditions. Don’t drive faster than you can see ahead and don’t forget to turn on your headlights! If you’re stuck in a serious storm, do not leave your vehicle. Run the engine periodically and wait for help.
• Bow to the plow. It is illegal to pass a snowplow when it is operating its lights and operating in a tandem formation with one or more snowplows. Don’t crowd the plow, be sure to remain three to four car lengths behind snowplows.

Stay Informed

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

• Road conditions and travel information: www.COtrip.org
• Sign up for project or travel alerts: bit.ly/COalerts
• See scheduled lane closures: bit.ly/3rO1bHk
• Connect with us on social media: Twitter @coloradodot and Facebook facebook.com/coloradodot

About Winter Wise

CDOT’s Winter Wise campaign focuses on education, tools and resources to help keep drivers safe on Colorado’s winter roads. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov. For specific information about I-70 and other highway travel conditions, motorists can call 511 or check COtrip.org. Additionally, drivers can check Twitter for up-to-date travel information via @ColoradoDOT. For more detailed information about the Traction and Passenger Vehicle Safety Laws, snowplow laws, safety stats and frequently asked questions, visit winter.codot.gov.