Winter Weather Advisory in Leadville Today

Morning, Evening Commutes Impacted

The Lake County Office of Emergency Management has issued a Winter Weather Advisory effecting conditions in Leadville Today and throughout the region for the next 48 hours.

• What: Snow expected. Total snow accumulations of 8 to 14 inches.
• Where: Western Mosquito Range and East Lake County Above 11000 Feet, the Eastern Sawatch Mountains Above 11000 Feet, and Western Chaffee County Between 9000 and 11000 Feet.
• When: From 6 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 to 5 a.m. Friday, Nov. 22.
•  Impacts: Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions could impact the morning or evening commute.
• It’s also a good time to sign up for the Lake County Emergency Alert System. It’s free and not too invasive. So if you live here, own property here or love someone who lives here, SIGN UP HERE. This system will alert you via phone when there are any emergency situations happening in Leadville and Lake County.

Snow Removal Laws Enforced by City, County

Leadville definitely got some snow. In addition, some areas around Lake County were reporting their daytime totals in the inches. So it’s time to talk about snow removal.

How’s it going in your neck of the woods? Is everyone in the neighborhood abiding by the laws concerning snow removal? Also, if you’re new to Leadville, do you even know what those guidelines are? It’s time to get schooled on the rules before you get ticketed or towed!

As many of you may have already noticed, the four-hour parking on Harrison Avenue has been supplemented with “NO PARKING 2 AM TO 6 AM”.  The side streets to the alleys have been changed to “NO PARKING 2 AM TO 6 AM WHEN IT SNOWS.”  These restrictions are in place for winter weather to allow the City Street Department to clear away the ice and snow.  Residents are reminded that any vehicles left parked in the restricted area between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on Harrison; or, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. on the side streets when it snows may be ticketed.  The Leadville Police Department considers “when it snows” to mean within 24-hours of any appreciable snowfall.  Should they be calling for snow, please do not park in the 100 blocks of any of the side streets off of Harrison Avenue.

Residents are also reminded that parking in the alleyways at any time is prohibited.  Vehicles parked in the alleys often makes it impossible for crews to get their equipment down the alleyways to plow them.  Additionally, any structures, trash, debris or other objects placed in the alleys inhibits the Street crew’s ability to clear them of snow and ice.  Not only does it prevent the alleys from being properly plowed; but it often inhibits emergency vehicle access to the rear of many properties. The city only plows selected alleys as a secondary priority.

Should you have any questions, please contact the Leadville Police Department (719-486-1365)  Street Department ( 719-486-1166) or the Mayor’s Office (719-207-2072). Thank you in advance for your cooperation this winter.

Out in The County

Lake County’s Road and Bridge Department’s goal is “to provide snow and ice control along with keeping the roadways clean of dust and gravel in a professional and proactive manner.”

Did you know that they plow 250 lane miles of road throughout Lake County and a lot of it is in rural, mountainous neighborhoods? These roads are categorized on a priority basis and the roads with the higher priority are plowed first, such as school bus routes, high service level roads and roads that access emergency services.

Usually, there are two separate snow removal operations. The first is during the storm itself and consists of passes with the plows and needed sanding to keep the roads open, prioritizing certain roads. The second operation begins when the storm abates. It consists of widening the traveled portion of the road, pushing snow back and widening spots on the road. It may be several days between the first plowing and final cleanup.

All residents are reminded that it is unlawful for any person to deposit snow from a private driveway, road or any other source i=onto any county road per C.R.S. 43-5301. Homeowners are advised NOT TO PUSH SNOW across the country road. All county road concerns may be directed to Public Works Director Brad Palmer at 719-486-0259.