Colorado’s Coal Creek Canyon Submerged in Snow 2 Days Post-Storm

TL/DR –

A severe snowstorm in Colorado has left residents of Coal Creek Canyon trapped in their homes. The storm, the largest in 15 years, has left houses buried in feet of snow and not all roads have been plowed. Jefferson County officials are using road graders rather than plow trucks as the snow is too heavy, but are only able to clear half of the 82 routes across the county.

Snowstorm Leaves Colorado’s Coal Creek Canyon Buried, Residents Trapped

Coal Creek Canyon in Colorado is still grappling with the aftermath of a massive snowstorm that struck two days ago, leaving residents like Slater Saile struggling to dig out.

The storm was unprecedented. “It’s been at least 15 years since we’ve had this much snow,” Saile stated. Houses are still buried in feet of snow, and unplowed roads are exacerbating the situation.

According to Saile, the roadblocks created by plowed roads mean many neighbors could be trapped for a while. He’s concerned about potential emergencies, as access to properties for emergency services seems impossible.

He believes heavy-duty snow removal equipment is needed to free people. Saile is uncertain whether the county can provide machinery to clear the snow.

Jefferson County has confirmed that the snow is too heavy for plow trucks. Instead, road graders are being used, with crews working overtime to clear the 82 routes across the county. If unsuccessful, residents may have to wait for nature to take its course. Saile predicts that melting the snow will be a slow process.

The National Weather Service recorded a snowfall of three and a half feet during the storm in Coal Creek Canyon.

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