Western Colorado Winter Weather Preparedness Guide

Home Preparation

1. Insulate water pipes to prevent freezing
2. Have heating equipment and chimneys inspected annually
3. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
4. Keep emergency heating equipment and fuel available
5. Stock up on non-perishable food, water, and medicine

Vehicle Preparation for Mountain Driving

1. Keep gas tank at least half full to prevent fuel line freezing
2. Equip your vehicle with winter emergency supplies:
   • Blankets, warm clothing
   • Flashlight with extra batteries
   • First aid kit
   • Shovel and ice scraper
   • Sand or cat litter for traction
   • Jumper cables
   • Emergency flares
   • Food and water
   • Tire chains for mountain passes

Colorado Travel Information

• Road conditions: cotrip.org or call 511
• Avalanche information: colorado.gov/avalanche
• National Weather Service: weather.gov/gjt/ (Grand Junction)

Key Western Colorado Winter Hazards

• Black ice on mountain passes
• Sudden winter storms in the San Juan Mountains
• Limited visibility in high wind conditions
• Avalanche risk in backcountry areas