Winter Weather in C & Se Park County, Colorado

Ground blizzards from a series of storm stranded residents for several days, and forced the closure of State Highway 285.

A series of storm systems brought an extended period of strong winds and snow to northern Park County. As a result, the ensuing ground blizzards stranded residents and forced the closure of State Highway 285, as icy and snow-packed roads also caused several accidents. In some places, snow drifts were reportedly 25 ft deep; trapping some residents in their homes for up to 10 days. Fire and emergency personnel estimated up to 100 residents were blocked by snow in the communities of Hartsel and Jefferson. Shelters were set up in Fairplay for stranded travelers and people evacuated from their homes. A state of emergency was issued due to the inclimate weather conditions. The Department of Corrections sent prison inmates to Park County to help in snow removal.