Colorado Double Threat: CDOT Says Avoid Mountains This Weekend

The Colorado Department of Transportation requests you avoid the state's mountains this weekend if at all possible. Between wildfires and Sunday's expected snowstorm, things could get uglier.

CDOT shared a press release this morning (October 23) encouraging motorists to avoid the high country over the weekend. Even with the colder weather moving in, authorities expect fire dangers to remain high.

Winter weather moving into the area may prove to be a double-edged sword. While CDOT expects colder weather and snow will assist firefighting efforts, the have concerns snowfall on mountain passes will pose its own threat.

Winter weather could bring a foot of snow to Colorado's mountain passes on Sunday and Monday. Snow may also affect the Front Range and Eastern Plains. Between plowing snow and assisting with road closures due to wildfires, CDOT's resources could be stretched extremely thin.

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According to CDOT's press release, some motorists tend to drive too fast early in the snow season. In addition, many vehicles lack appropriate tires. Between the preexisting fire dangers and the expected snowfall, CDOT will be stretched when it comes to helping stuck motorists and traffic accidents.

Every spun-out car and crash will require attention to get roads cleared again, and avoidable traffic makes it harder for first responders and evacuees to get where they need to go. Staying off the road when you can is a small way we can all our fellow Coloradans during this hard time. - CDOT Executive Director Shoshana Lew

CDOT says this particularly applies to the northern mountains, where the East Troublesome Fire and Cameron Peak Fires have prompted evacuations, requiring CDOT to use some of its resources for road closures.

Personally, I've already set aside this weekend to get my last bit of yard work done, followed by winterizing my sprinklers, back-flow, and my swamp cooler. Heading to the high country is the last thing on my mind.