Posted by Todd Caudle on October 6, 2011 at 11:59 AM
Be glad you're not either one of these drivers! After passing a snow plow coming down from Lizard Head Pass running his blade across a WET (read, no snow or slush) road, I came upon this mess just before the pass. I couldn't get any decent shots while the cops were still there, but snagged this after they left. The road from the Trout Lake turn-off to the pass and beyond was treacherous! I didn't see a plow head back up that way for another hour or more. Probably had some dry road to plow after finishing the wet road.
Now the fun has moved all the way down into Telluride. Heavy, wet snow, wind (the leaves appear to be weathering it all just fine so far) and quickly deteriorating conditions. But it should be awesome once it begins to clear (says the eternal optimist in me).
Posted by Jack Garrett on October 6, 2011 at 12:23 PM
Ouch! I was on that pass 3 days ago and it sure didn't look like this!
Posted by John Mumaw on October 6, 2011 at 12:48 PM
I'll be up there tomorow through Sunday!
Thanks for the update, Todd.
Posted by David Kingham on October 6, 2011 at 12:56 PM
I'm headed there right now, will keep an eye out for you guys. Thanks Todd
Yikes - welcome to winter!
I'm thankful all we have gotten is the first winter rain drenching. But that means all the migrant cranes, ducks, geese, etc will be back at the Wildlife refuges very soon.
Wishing you snow lovers some spectacular winter images this year!
Sandy
Posted by Pam Colander on October 6, 2011 at 1:15 PM
It wouldn't be a complete Caudal road trip without a shot like this! Yikes!
This looks like one of those very rare situations where a little car tangles with a big truck and the little car comes out ahead. Wow! I'm really not mentally prepared for winter. Gonna have to work on that.
No kidding, Pam! Every year he comes back with one of these.
Posted by Todd Caudle on October 6, 2011 at 2:31 PM
And now the storm has knocked out power to all of San Miguel County. Telluride, Silverton, all dark for several hours. Luckily the ovens at Brown Dog run on gas. No soft drinks, but pizza and subs. Looks like I will survive.
I'm have to wait till Saturday to make the trek down there, hopefully catch the storm breaking. Weather forecast indicates something of a break tomorrow then more moisture Saturday into Sunday. Would love to be in the area tomorrow but have an opening of new work at Wild Horse Gallery here tomorrow night.
Posted by Scott Fricke on October 6, 2011 at 8:39 PM
Glad to hear the Emergency Pizza Rations are working out for you Todd!
I just got back from driving Grand Junction to Denver. There was about a one hour backup at the tunnel because 3 different semis decided chaining up wasn't worth their time and they slid all over the highway blocking 2 of the 3 lanes. Also appeared there were a couple other accidents on the west-bound side as well with the tunnel being closed off in that direction when I drove through. Two other semi accidents on Vail Pass.
Posted by Kalin Wilson on October 6, 2011 at 9:37 PM
I'm flying to Orlando in the morning. I'll be thinking of you guys and the clearing storm conditions. Hope you get some great stuff. I hope the leaves keep turning and stay on the trees!
Posted by Jimmy Gekas on October 6, 2011 at 10:39 PM
Just got back from the San Juans, was up on Red Mt Pass in the thick of it Thurs AM. Was quite the blizzard sliding in the slippery slush! Came back via Kebler Pass (aspens and snow were gorgeous with some sunset light) then over Cottonwood Pass (saw only 1 other vehicle {westbound} from Taylor Res. to the Mt. Yale trailhead.) C Pass was good except for the above timberline stretch on both sides.
Discussion
16 repliesNow the fun has moved all the way down into Telluride. Heavy, wet snow, wind (the leaves appear to be weathering it all just fine so far) and quickly deteriorating conditions. But it should be awesome once it begins to clear (says the eternal optimist in me).
Thanks for the update, Todd.
I'm thankful all we have gotten is the first winter rain drenching. But that means all the migrant cranes, ducks, geese, etc will be back at the Wildlife refuges very soon.
Wishing you snow lovers some spectacular winter images this year!
Sandy
I just got back from driving Grand Junction to Denver. There was about a one hour backup at the tunnel because 3 different semis decided chaining up wasn't worth their time and they slid all over the highway blocking 2 of the 3 lanes. Also appeared there were a couple other accidents on the west-bound side as well with the tunnel being closed off in that direction when I drove through. Two other semi accidents on Vail Pass.