How to Prepare for Colorado Winter Travel

Waking up this morning to a few inches of snow on the lawn was… well… AWESOME! The first big snow means so many things to us Coloradans, skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing and all around winter fun!

But, with the first snow comes the dreaded road conditions that we will face all winter long. I have signed up for Eagle County Alerts on my phone, and am texted any time there are hazardous road conditions. This is a great tool to have if you’ll be traveling in the high country this winter.

Eagle County recently sent out this message with some wonderful reminders of how to prepare for driving during the coming winter months:

WINTER WEATHER PREPAREDNESS WEEK IN COLORADO…

The week of October 23th through October 29th is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Colorado. This is an excellent time for all individuals, families, businesses, schools, and media outlets to review their winter storm preparedness plans. It is especially important for all new arrivals to the state to become familiar with the National Weather Service watch and warning definitions, as well as winter safety procedures.

Snow in Colorado is important to the farmers...the ski areas...and for filling up reservoirs. However...winter storms often bring heavy snow...bitterly cold temperatures...high winds...low visibilities and slick roads. This can lead to dangerous travel conditions and other life threatening situations such as avalanches and dangerously low wind chill temperatures.

WINTER TRAVEL SAFETY...

Before winter weather arrives in earnest, it is highly recommended that you prepare your car or truck for winter travel.

A well equipped vehicle has adequate tires...tire chains...tow rope...sand or cat litter for traction...shovel...tool kit... windshield scraper and brush...battery cables...first aid kit... flashlight...extra batteries...blankets and/or sleeping bags... extra clothing...candles...water‑proof matches...high calorie packaged food for quick energy...and an empty can to melt snow for drinking.

The best way to prevent treacherous winter travel is to avoid it. This can be done by staying informed about the current weather and road conditions as well as the latest weather forecasts. Information on road conditions in Colorado is available on the web at www.cotrip.org or by dialing 511 or toll free 1-877-315-7623. Road conditions for neighboring states can also be obtained on a link from www.cotrip.org.

If you should become stranded during a winter storm, stay with your vehicle and do not panic. If accompanied by others, take turns sleeping. Run the motor every hour for about ten minutes to maintain warmth, but keep windows open a little to prevent the buildup of carbon monoxide. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked. Keep the car visible with brightly colored cloths tied to the side view mirrors, door handles, or external antenna. Exercise periodically by vigorously moving arms, legs, toes and fingers.

In the mountains, avalanches become a possibility in the winter, especially below steep slopes. Avalanches occasionally come down across roads, with little or no warning. However, avalanche control work is performed on many avalanche prone roads in Colorado, making the roads safer to travel. Caution is advised when traveling along avalanche prone roads, especially during and shortly after a heavy snowstorm or during periods of rapid snowmelt.

Very strong downslope winds occur at times mainly along the front range of Colorado. These "Chinook" and "Bora" winds can have gusts exceeding 100 mph. Persons traveling in light weight or high profile vehicles should avoid travel during these strong wind events especially on north‑south oriented roads.

Roads which appear to be clear in the wintertime may actually be coated with a thin layer of ice, commonly known as black ice. This nearly invisible ice layer can cause you to rapidly lose control of your vehicle. Black ice is most common during the nighttime hours. If you detect black ice, you should reduce your speed.

When braking on icy and snow-packed roads, it is recommended that you apply steady pressure to the pedal just to the point of brake lock-up, allowing plenty of extra stopping distance. For those without anti-lock brakes, another suggestion is to gently tap on the brake pedal several times just prior to applying steady pressure.

Sent by Barry Smith to All users (e-mail accounts) through Eagle County Alert