Winter Storm Shuts Down Portions of Rocky Mountain National Park

Rocky Mountain National Park officials published the following messages on their social media accounts today:

"Due to continued whiteout conditions and wind gusts over 80 mph, Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance of #RMNP will remain closed to all vehicles overnight. Will reassess in morning. Snow and high winds in forecast through Saturday."

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"Winter storms with heavy snow accumulation are in the forecast for Rocky Mountain National Park from Wednesday evening through Friday afternoon. All park roads remain snow packed and icy."

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"All roads inside Rocky Mountain National Park continue to be snow packed and icy. Strong winds blow fallen snow in the air, reducing visibility and making road surfaces very icy. There have been over 70 vehicle slide offs in the park since December 23.

Winter storms are in the forecast through Saturday, with heavy snow and wind gusts up to 75 mph, expect white out conditions.

Park Rangers are recommending that anyone planning to drive in the park should have 4-Wheel Drive or All-Wheel Drive Vehicles with good snow tires. 2-Wheel Drive Vehicles are not encouraged to drive in the park at this time.

While driving in the park, remember to slow down and keep your distance from other vehicles. Also keep an eye out for wildlife crossing the road and other potential hazards that could be in the roadway."

The park is currently under a winter storm warning through Saturday morning. For Estes Park:

"Heavy snow likely. Total snow accumulations between 5 and 10 inches expected. Higher amounts to 1 foot possible for higher terrain in the foothills and near Estes Park.

West winds 25 to 40 mph with gusts to 80 mph. The strongest winds are expected to slowly diminish through the evening."

For Grand Lake and the area along the west side of the park:

"Heavy snow. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 12 inches expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph."

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for Colorado can be obtained by calling 5 1 1 or by going to www.cotrip.org



Jeff
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