Early winter storm in late summer: Expectations, preparations for high country in Pikes Peak Region
EL PASO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- Higher elevations in Monument and Black Forest usually experience the strongest impacts from winter storms, and the storm expected overnight Monday is no different.
But what preparations -- if any -- will be necessary a day after 90-degree temperatures in the area and road surfaces still at least 100 degrees?
On Monday, El Paso County officials said they were not making any preparations and will wait to see what the storm does Tuesday.
The county won't pre-treat road surfaces with salt brine, as much of the snow is expected to melt, but spreading of sand-salt mixture may be necessary if roads become icy in certain areas.
Many local road crews are still training for the upcoming fall and winter snow season, and the latest storm could provide crews with an opportunity to train in winter conditions.
County officials said the wild card in the storm will be strong winds expected to reach 60 mph.
"One of the things about wind and snow combined, it doesn't really matter what the pavement temperatures are," said Scot Cuthbertson, the county's executive director of public works. "Even though there's no snow accumulating on the roadways, that wind and snow combination could make visibility very hazardous."
Meanwhile, in Teller County, road crews prepared their trucks and equipment last week and will respond to the storm as needed -- treating it similar to a spring storm.
The Colorado Department of Transportation said crews were ending their Labor Day holiday early to prepare for the storm.
"We're not pre-treating with salt brine because the snow is supposed to start as rain and the brine would just wash off," said CDOT spokeswoman Michelle Peulen. "But our crews will be ready on Tuesday."
The question on most minds is how much snow will accumulate, and how long will roads remain relatively warm?
"If it comes in early, it probably won't affect the roads initially," Cuthbertson said. "If it continues over a long duration, you may start to see some impacts on the roadways."
