Colorado Department of Transportation has issued a caution to backcountry users, with the anticipation of snow, to be aware of snowplows and other winter equipment being deployed to clear highways and keep roads safe for travelers.

“Always obey road closures set in place for avalanche-control mitigation and wait until authorities open the highway to ensure snow slide operations have been completed and roads cleared,” Paul Wilson, CDOT maintenance foreman and supervisor of Red Mountain, Molas and Coal Bank pass operations, said in a news release.

CDOT encourages and welcomes the public to use and enjoy Colorado’s backcountry safely, but reminds outdoor enthusiasts to be cautious.

“Backcountry users should never leave vehicles near or adjacent to snow-slide areas, which are always well marked with signs,” Wilson said.

CDOT advises those who use the backcountry to be careful when parking and leaving vehicles along the roadway. Law enforcement is authorized, if necessary, to tow unattended vehicles left on the side of the road and issue fines. Backcountry users should park only in marked, designated areas, usually at the summits of mountain passes and trailheads.

Parking in areas along roads that allow ample distance from the asphalt runs the risk of vehicles being plowed in, or trapped by snow pushed off the road by snowplows.

“Our main objective is to clear the roadway as quickly and efficiently as possible so that the highway is made passable and safe for all travelers,” said Wilson. “Our crews work in all sorts of weather conditions. When visibility is low and a plow comes upon a vehicle parked on the side of the road, there is potential for a collision. The vehicle could be damaged by a passing plow. Plus, this puts our operations behind schedule because of needed repairs or replacement of our own CDOT equipment.”

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