Colorado is a beautiful state known for its gorgeous mountain scenery and abundant snowfall during the winter months – it receives around 56 inches of snow each year, and more in the mountains compared to the Front Range Urban Corridor and Eastern Plains.
The snow blankets the Rocky Mountains in a picturesque white wonderland that attracts visitors from all over the world. However, this winter beauty comes with its fair share of danger that tourists need to be aware of. Icy conditions are extremely common in Colorado and can lead to serious accidents if proper precautions are not taken.
Driving Hazards from Icy Roads
One of the biggest risks icy conditions pose to tourists is hazardous driving environments. The roads across Colorado are frequently covered in black ice, which forms when snow melts and then refreezes as invisible ice on the pavement. This can catch drivers off guard as they are not able to see the slick ice on the roads. Trying to drive normal speeds on icy roads can easily lead to losing control of the vehicle and crashing.
Wintry mix precipitation is also common in Colorado, which occurs when snow, freezing rain, sleet, or hail fall and accumulate on the roads. This can create very slippery conditions that make roads dangerous to drive on. Tourists unfamiliar with driving in winter weather are especially at risk. Even a small amount of ice buildup can lead to a car sliding off the road or into oncoming traffic.
To stay safe, tourists should drive well below speed limits when road conditions are icy. Allowing extra following distance from other vehicles is also critical in case sudden braking is needed. Having snow tires installed or chains on tires will provide better traction. If conditions are too hazardous, it is best to avoid driving at all until roads can be properly treated. Even if you are careful about driving sensibly in poor weather, other drivers might not be, which is when accidents happen.
Falling on Icy Sidewalks and Walkways
Slips and falls are extremely common occurrences during icy winters in Colorado. Frozen sidewalks and walkways become very slippery and pose tripping hazards to pedestrians. Tourists walking around towns in the Colorado mountains need to be very cautious of snow and ice buildup on all pedestrian routes.
One misstep on an icy sidewalk can easily lead to falling and injuries like sprained wrists or ankles. More dangerous slip and fall accidents can also occur if people hit their heads on the frozen ground. Icy steps and walkways that have not been salted well are particularly hazardous.
To avoid falling, tourists should wear proper footwear such as insulated boots with good traction. Taking slow, small steps and watching your footing is key. Using handrails when available can provide stability. Visitors should avoid walking with their hands in their pockets and focus on maintaining good balance. Being aware of ice-covered areas in advance is the best way to prevent accidental slips.
Dangers of Icy Trails and Slopes
In addition to town sidewalks and roads, icy conditions also make hiking trails more dangerous in Colorado’s winter months. Many tourists come to enjoy Colorado’s snowcapped mountain landscapes and want to experience nature through winter hikes. However, trails that are covered in snow and ice can pose serious hazards.
Hikers can easily lose their footing and fall on frozen trails, leading to anything from minor cuts and bruises to major injuries like broken bones or head trauma depending on the terrain. Climbing up steep, icy slopes presents another danger as hikers can slide backwards and risk falling off cliffs or down mountainsides.
To hike safely in wintry conditions, tourists should research which trails are reasonable to attempt based on their hiking ability and experience. Proper winter hiking equipment like ice cleats, trekking poles, and ice axes are a must for additional stability and self-arrest ability in a slip. Staying on designated trails is also crucial, as venturing off into dangerous avalanche terrain can have fatal consequences.
Dangers of Icy Bodies of Water
Lakes, rivers, and ponds in Colorado freeze over in the winter, but tourists should be aware that frozen waterways can still be extremely dangerous. Visitors may see frozen lakes and assume the ice is solid enough for activities like ice skating or hockey. However, ice thickness can vary greatly and there is always a risk of falling through into frigid waters below.
Hidden currents in lakes and rivers can create areas where ice does not form thickly. Even if part of the waterway appears frozen solid, tourists should avoid venturing out onto any sections unless ice depths have been formally measured and deemed safe. Partially frozen ponds or inlet areas are also prone to having thin, weak ice. Falling into freezing water can quickly lead to hypothermia and drowning hazards.
No lake, pond, or river ice should ever be considered safe to walk out on until it has been officially tested. Icy bodies of water should be avoided altogether when visiting Colorado in wintertime. The risks posed by hidden thin spots and weak areas in the ice make recreational ice activities extremely dangerous during the winter tourist season.
While Colorado transforms into a pristine winter wonderland after heavy snowfalls, the icy conditions also create safety hazards that tourists need to stay mindful of. Slick roads, sidewalks, trails, and lakes can all become extremely slippery and prone to accidents. By taking proper precautions and being aware of the dangers, visitors can safely enjoy the state’s natural winter beauty. Exercising caution and smart winter travel practices are key to avoiding hazards like car crashes, falls, and hypothermia dangers in Colorado’s icy mountain conditions.
If you have slipped and fallen and you believe the accident was someone else’s fault, such as a store not cleaning a wet floor or a driver crashing into you while speeding in icy conditions, get in touch with us today.
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