Travel Alert | Winter Storm Warnings - Stay updated at cotrip.org

The National Weather Service has issued Winter Storm Warnings and Watches for most mountain areas. A slow moving spring storm will bring heavy, wet snow above 7,500ft of elevation to all mountain ranges through Wednesday (5/7). Snow showers will start Monday (5/5) across the central mountains, including I-70 corridor, and the southwestern passes with the heaviest accumulations expected Tuesday (5/6). Lower elevations, including Denver and the Front Range should expect significant rain through the duration.  

  • State Law stipulates commercial vehicles must carry chains or approved alternate traction devices on most mountain roadways until May 31. Chain Laws are likely to be in place during this storm. 
  • Heavy rains may create standing water issues and localized flooding 
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Hot Brakes

Hot Brakes | Tips & Resources

Prepare for the Trip

  • Check brake function and adjustment before descending.
  • Maintain a low speed in low gear, and use flashers to warn other vehicles of your reduced speed.
  • Do not ride the truck’s brakes; this will cause overheating and possible loss of brake system.
  • Consider Jake Brakes (engine compression brakes) to control the speed of a heavy truck, but the best practice is to use low gears to avoid overheating brakes.
  • Keep brakes cool by pulling into brake check stations, or onto the shoulder of the road, if you can locate a safe spot.

truck driver inspecting truck

Runaway Truck Ramp

Use Runaway Truck Ramps

  • Maneuver the truck into the far right lane before approaching ramp.
  • As the truck approaches the runaway ramp, steer straight and try to keep the wheels aligned.
  • Stay in the center of the ramp to avoid rolling over.
  • Once the truck is stopped, call 911 to report, even if there are no injures.
  • There is not a fee, penalty or fine for using runaway truck ramps.

Know Before You Go

  • Know the road
  • Take the time to familiarize yourself with mountain passes
  • Obey the speed limit
  • Anticipate curves
  • Know how far you’ll travel
  • Identify public-access roads
  • Find brake and chain-up stations on COtrip
  • Inspect your brakes at the summit before descending.
  • Locate runaway truck ramps on COtrip

traffic approaching steep grade on road