Questions continue to be raised regarding our winter road services. We have consolidated the answers and provided some lesssions learned.
Sanding - The access road will be sanded as needed during the plow process.
Plowing Depths - The agreement between Larimer County and the contractor is different this year, A minimum of 4 of inches of snow on the road surface is the trigger for plowing. This should improve services on the majority of roads in the PID
The PID Board recognizes this snow depth will result in difficult travel conditions on the Access Road. We have acquired approval from the County to request the contractor to plow/sand at 2 inches, similar to past years. The contractor has agreed support this request best-effort. We have setup a system of snow depth spotters to help us monitor accross the community.
Adaptions - We were fortunate in past years with plow contractors located on the mountain. This year there was only one bid, this was from an Estes Park based contractor. We will partner with the contractor and adapt as best as possible to keep our roads passable in weather events.
What can you do?
Please be prepared for weather events. Only head out if you have a properly equipped vehicle. Use snow tires with chains when conditions demand it. The PID board encourages the use of chains to avoid slide-offs.
Drive with care and be aware of those ahead and behind you, leaving plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you. Communicate with your guests, and make them aware of what is needed to be safe. Avoid travel if you are not confident in your vehicle or winter driving skills. If you block the road, you put your safety at risk and the safety of others. You may be blocking emergency services and/or preventing snow removal.
If you do pull off the road in poor conditions, be aware of the dangers around you. For example, the bottom of Bergs Hill and the ends of switchbacks are common run-off areas for sliding vehicles.
Please do not park vehicles, trailers, and equipment on the road, this impedes snow removal and may create safety issues for others attempting to navigate around them.
When plowing your driveway, avoid blocking the road, or others' driveways with the snow. We have asked the contractor to do the same, but it is expected a windrow of snow will be created in the plowing process. In some situations, it may need to be removed by the resident.
Be respectful to the plow contactor, this does not mean you can't be critical, but harassment is not welcome and could result in having no contactor. The plow contractor is not obligated to help you become unstuck or provide a clear path where your drive meets the road.
Please keep in mind that we are located in an area where the County is not obligated to provide services. The PID is a mechanism to help the community acquire a level of service.
Report unsafe road conditions to the PID - email stormmountainpid@gmail.com
Regards,
Andy, Connie & James
Storm Mountain PID Board
