Unpredictable Colorado Weather On Its Way
COLORADO SPRINGS – Treacherous conditions in the western region of the state and unpredictable weather here in the Pikes Peak area can mean tragic situations if you’re not prepared. Park and rangers say search and rescue missions can almost always be prevented. The search resumed Monday for two missing skiers near Wolf Creek Ski Resort and with more snow expected out west, conditions aren’t ideal. No matter where you’re headed in the outdoors this winter, preparation is the key to staying safe and alive. “Colorado weather can change very quickly,” says Rich Dudley, park manager at Cheyenne Mountain State Park. He says tell people where you’re going and when.
Take your cell phone and proper gear. “Bring extra layers of clothing, gloves, hat,” Dudley says, “you always want to have water with you and energy bars or that type of food with you.” Whether you’re hiking local trails or heading to the backcountry for skiing or snowmobiling, keep your wits about you. “Having a mental attitude that you will survive this, is a critical component in any type of situation,” Dudley says. If you do get disoriented or lost, look for shelter or build a snow cave and stay put. “The most important think is not to panic,” says Dudley, “you got to where you are by following a certain route.” Sending search crews out in rough weather and dangerous terrain is part of the job, but still baffles park rangers.
“You just scratch your head and wonder, after all this time and all the media coverage of people getting lost and all of the kinds of gear that’s available, how does it happen repeatedly?” says Dudley. If you are headed to the mountain areas Monday, conditions are still dangerous. US 550 at Red Mountain Pass is closed; CO149 near Lake City is closed. Cumbres Pass and Wolf Creek Pass are both closed due to avalanches.Click here for the latest road conditions. Thousands are still without power in La Plata County after heavy snow downed trees and power lines. Residents there are in emergency shelters.
