I am leaving Grand Junction sometime this weekend, headed for Texas. The weather reports are showing snow showers thru the mountains for Saturday, with temps below freezing. Does anyone know what the road conditions are at times like this? Are they clear? Icy? Would I be better served to wait till Monday to leave or maybe go south before I go east. I know that after I hit Denver, it should be good to go, just want to know that I can get to Denver from here. Thanks to all for the help.
Snow showers? The CO DOT does a great job of keeping I 70 open but if the 'showers' turn heavy - at any given point in time that road can be "fun". If they declare a "chain law" event it does applie to all vehicles pulling trailers! So just check ahead and be careful. Bridges epecially can be icy.
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It was actually supposed to start raining today - but sounds like they moved it to the weekend so I could go to the Broncos game tonight!
All bets are off at 11,000 ft, but like Cruiser says, they maintain I-70 well. I would chance I-70 I think before trying anything in southern CO (like along 160 La-Vita and Wolfcreek) - they can get clobbered and it takes a little longer to get it cleared.
Enjoy your trip - watch for wind along I-25 south this time of year.
Thanks for the input. Since I am going to be driving alone with the dog and cat, I am a little concerned about the conditions. I am hopeful, as you say, that I70 will be clear and maintained. I have traveled the road several times in the last 6 months, but now is a whole different story with the possibility of changing weather.
I am a many time visitor to CO. Most of our visits have been mid winter when we have done the Denver to Summit County I70 run many times. At the slightest hint of snow the CDOT trucks are out there.
At this time of year I would not worry too much about the weather suddenly turning on me. Head out on a good forcast. Don't worry unless you see a snowplow loaded with sand.
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My older son, Chris is the Deputy Fire Chief in Eagle, CO. I spoke with him about a week ago and he definitely advised against trying that route at this time, or in March either. He's spent way too many days and nights extracting out of cars and trucks what was left of people who didn't respect the mountains or weather enough. Coming from where you are, I'd definitely head south, THEN east. If the Broncos don't whomp the Steelers tonight, the whole state's gonna be on lockdown anyway, LOL.
tunerdude wrote: My older son, Chris is the Deputy Fire Chief in Eagle, CO. I spoke with him about a week ago and he definitely advised against trying that route at this time, or in March either. He's spent way too many days and nights extracting out of cars and trucks what was left of people who didn't respect the mountains or weather enough. Coming from where you are, I'd definitely head south, THEN east. If the Broncos don't whomp the Steelers tonight, the whole state's gonna be on lockdown anyway, LOL.
At least, MY household will be!!!
South route - a month ago:
This is us (no trailer) on our anniversary Oct 3, 2009 heading to Grand Junction from Durango on 550. Just watch the weather and always be prepared no matter which way you choose.
* This post was
edited 11/09/09 02:15pm by Mile High *
tunerdude wrote: My older son, Chris is the Deputy Fire Chief in Eagle, CO. I spoke with him about a week ago and he definitely advised against trying that route at this time, or in March either. He's spent way too many days and nights extracting out of cars and trucks what was left of people who didn't respect the mountains or weather enough. Coming from where you are, I'd definitely head south, THEN east. If the Broncos don't whomp the Steelers tonight, the whole state's gonna be on lockdown anyway, LOL.
At least, MY household will be!!!
South route - a month ago:
This is us (no trailer) on our anniversary Oct 3, 2009 heading to Grand Junction from Durango on 550. Just watch the weather and always be prepared no matter which way you choose.
I have driven in various weather and have ridden in vehicles with other more experienced drivers in much worse weather and I can tell you that even though I have gained more experience I still would not pull my 5ver through something like this, let alone any vehicle unless I absolutely had to.
I hate traveling through Colorado on the I-70 during the winter months. I've been stuck twice in the snow in that state. The first time I was able to free myself. The second time required a tow. On each occasion I was close to the gross vehicle weight of 80,000lbs. If it were me I would try to leave earlier or wait until the storm passes. CDOT does a great job of keeping the roads clear, but its still slicker than snot.
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