December 21, 2006 5:44 AM
The Blizzard of '06: Day Two
The end is near!
Not of the world, just of the great blizzard of '06.
Really. The wind's easing up. The snow is supposed to stop by the middle of the day. It'll take another day at least to dig out, but you'll get that last-minute shopping done, you'll get where you're going even if you're late. Now put another log on the fire, stir the hot chocolate and stay out of harm's way.
A newsroom full of Rocky staffers spent the night at downtown hotels so they could bring you today's newspaper, even if most of you will get it on the Internet. In addition to our coverage at RockyMountainNews.com you can read the entire newspaper online for free today.
John Ensslin wrote our main story.
On the eve of the first day of winter, blowing snow whipped across the Colorado Plains and along the Front Range at speeds of more than 35 mph, creating whiteout conditions and havoc along major highways:• Interstate 70 was closed from Airport Road in Denver all the way east to Kansas.
• After numerous crashes along its length, Interstate 25 eventually shut down from Wyoming to New Mexico.
• So many accidents choked U.S. 36 near Sheridan Boulevard that Broomfield police closed the highway.
U.S. 36 became a free-for-all with motorists walking away from stranded cars.
Travellers were stranded at DIA and on RTD buses.
Life went on. We coped. Babies were born. A wake was held. We live in Colorado where the no-complaining code is "Shut up and shovel." Random acts of kindness abounded from impromptu shelters at rec centers to the Red Cross.
The Broncos muddled through and held a full practice to prepare for their Christmas Eve playoffs-crucial game against the Bengals and coach Mike Shanahan made it clear he expects his players to be on the job today:
"That's part of having a responsibility, do what you need to do," Shanahan said. "Get here, that's part of growing up. They might have to leave a couple hours earlier, that's just the nature of the job.".
Just remember the mantra: We need the moisture.
Jim Erickson reports:
And you can thank El Niño, in part, for this watery Christmas season gift, according to University of Colorado climatologist Klaus Wolter."The good news is that this is going to help out the northeastern Plains, where we have the most severe, lingering drought conditions," Wolter said Tuesday.
"And it's a juicier storm because of El Niño," he said. "It's pulling in moisture from both the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, and this should guarantee us a white Christmas."
If you braved the weather, tell us your commuting experience. If you're holed up in front of the fireplace, share that too. How did you cope? Have you started digging out? Did you find a measure of peace in sitting back and letting nature have its way? If you have weather photos, share them with us.
December 20, 2006
7:16 AM
Your time is gonna come writes:
Finally, something out of Mexico crossing our borders that is welcome.
December 20, 2006
7:57 AM
gr8fuldude writes:
Roads weren't bad yet. I left early, put a great CD in the player, stayed on side streets and allowed a lot of room. No big deal, and as the article said, we do need the moisture.
December 20, 2006
7:59 AM
ML writes:
I took the light rail, as always...no problemo!
December 20, 2006
8:08 AM
Weather King writes:
Get off the road SLOW DRIVERS!!!
December 20, 2006
8:16 AM
JW writes:
As a cantidate for Colorado Govenor, I pledge to develop and fund a new group of public servant. The group will drive large trucks with what is known as a "Plow" on the front. Basically, a "Plow" scrapes the road surface, moving snow from the road to the shoulder. No this is not a fantasy. "Plows" do in fact exist, and are in service in several other metro areas. I and my team have also debated multitasking for these trucks. This would be done by having them "Salt" or "Sand" the road as they pass with a "Plow". It has come to my attention that a chemical compound known as "Mag Cloride" is another alternative, though the claimed properties of this compound are dificult to believe. However, we shall examine all alternatives.
We will call this group the "Road Clearers" or perhaps the "Super Snow Team." Other possible names for the group are "Snow Removal" or even "CDOT".
This will not require a tax hike, as this group is infact already funded, despite its current absence from the roads.
December 20, 2006
8:36 AM
Patriot writes:
What's the big deal? I've seen more snow in Florida!
December 20, 2006
8:54 AM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) writes:
This will not require a tax hike, as this group is infact already funded, despite its current absence from the roads.
Posted by JW on December 20, 2006 08:16 AM
They'll git ur done as soon as they figure out how to make the voting machines work.
December 20, 2006
9:54 AM
Anonymous writes:
What a bunch of pansies to let a little snow bother you. If you can't drive in the stuff, STAY HOME! There isn't even enough on the roads to justify the plows yet.
December 20, 2006
10:34 AM
Becky writes:
I just dont understand why the news stations think we need non-stop coverage. At little update from time-to-time is fine, but dont interrupt The View!!!!!!
December 20, 2006
10:40 AM
David Hakala writes:
I'm struck by the tiny size of today's snowflakes. Snowflakes grow by sticking to other snowflakes. In order to stick together, snowflakes must be wet; therefor, temperatures must be relatively mild and humidity high. The longer the distance a snowflake falls, the more likely it is to collide with others and grow larger. Finally, strong wind rips large snowflakes apart.
http://www.theweathernetwork.com/inter/help/precipitation.htm#Q4
The wind is pretty strong right now - I can hear my neighbor's tree branches knocking against my house. Weather.com reports 22 mph. I reckon that's one cause of this powder snow.
BTW, Denver's traffic Web cameras offer entertainment and information on days like this:
http://denvergov.org/traffic/
December 20, 2006
10:42 AM
NW writes:
I had to buy sleeping bags and enough food for the next 2 days for anyone who will be stuck at our office tonight-tomorrow. We are a 24/7 operation but many of our employees live far, so we're trying to make them as comfortable as possible!
December 20, 2006
10:50 AM
history buff writes:
We are calling all appointments, expecting to be closed until Friday. There is a considerable cross-breeze, and the the snow is starting to cling to the office window. Everybody wants things done right away, but this is what life is like in Colorado. Will leave the office, go directly to the grocery store to stock up on provisions, then climb the mountain where I expect to be socked in for the next 48 hours, or so. Hope the mail arrives with the next NetFlix selections.
Merry Christmas and enjoy the snow.
December 20, 2006
10:55 AM
David Hakala writes:
The poll results indicate that 71% of readers are hardworking, loyal folks who go to work no matter the weather - so they can waste their employers' computing resources. :-)
December 20, 2006
11:03 AM
Stevan Hidalgo writes:
I don't understand why so many of these posting are filled with such anger, hatred and vile. Is it the anonymity that allows people's true character to come out? Peace.
December 20, 2006
1:31 PM
NO Amnesty! writes:
I know!! Bush caused this blizzard.
December 20, 2006
2:31 PM
Hogar De Vuelta (العودة) writes:
I must say that walking to lunch was not pleasant, but the lunch was worth it. I am not looking forward to the Ride Home.
December 20, 2006
2:43 PM
Coookie Time! writes:
PERFECT day to stay home and bake cookies!
p.s. the dogs LOVE all this snow!
December 20, 2006
2:48 PM
Pancho Villa writes:
Oye, Hijo de algo. Estamos cansados con ilegals y el derespeto que nos mostraron y nos muestran. Di les a su raza que ya no nos vamos a apoyar ningun desrespeto de parte de ilegals o los patrocinadores de los ilegals aqui en los United States. Paz afuera buey.
December 20, 2006
3:08 PM
zeno writes:
Where's Al Gore?....Can he come by and shovel some of this global warming?
December 20, 2006
3:17 PM
ken writes:
I live in Utah which is cold but sunny right now. We closed on our house refi and were supposed to get the check and go shopping for presents today. However our mortgage company has closed for the day due to weather and we may not got our check till after Christmas. This sux!
December 20, 2006
3:19 PM
mike webster writes:
Too bad those of us in Florida miss out on what Christmas is all about...cold and snow!!
The Colorado Chamber of Commerce has Florida's Chamber beat!Just as well we keep to ourselves Florida's many millions of acres of public lands (not to mention the WATER!) and months long hunting seasons. Bundle up and stay where you are.
Knowgrowth
December 20, 2006
3:29 PM
Tara writes:
Sure, I had a thousand things to do, go to the store, buy some more christmas presents, not to mention work, etc. However, in this crazy busy world we live in, isn't it nice to be FORCED to take a day and do pretty much nothing? All the things you had to do today will still be there tomorrow. Take this time to enjoy not doing much of anything. Catch up with your kids or spouses, or maybe just veg in front of the tv. Remember, this too shall pass. And stop being so angry! The sun will come out tomorrow, or Friday.
December 20, 2006
3:30 PM
fiesty writes:
The snow kills my back, but I love it! Hot chocolate, kid running to the window giving us progress reports, "we're getting snowed in!", dogs rolling in it... life doesn't get much better!
December 20, 2006
3:31 PM
Tara writes:
Sure, I had a thousand things to do, go to the store, buy some more christmas presents, not to mention work, etc. However, in this crazy busy world we live in, isn't it nice to be FORCED to take a day and do pretty much nothing? All the things you had to do today will still be there tomorrow. Take this time to enjoy not doing much of anything. Catch up with your kids or spouses, or maybe just veg in front of the tv. Remember, this too shall pass. And stop being so angry! The sun will come out tomorrow, or Friday.
December 20, 2006
3:43 PM
Karen writes:
I love snow and find it strange that the governor has declared a "disaster emergency" as a result of weather that is completely normal in Colorado in wintertime.
December 20, 2006
4:15 PM
pam writes:
I went to work, it took an hour to get there and then the office shut down. I hit the road and tried to catch a bus. While I was waiting a man and his infant child got stuck in a snowbank. People parked their cars, pulled out their ropes and snow muscles and rescued them. I got to Colfax and saw a pre-teenage boy struggling to get his bike through the traffic, and politely pulling off to let cars pass. He was only wearing a light jacket, gym shoes and no gloves or hat. One motorist stopped her SUV, ran to the back and opened her hatch. She put the bike inside and the boy up front. It was an amazing day to watch the human spirit at work.
December 20, 2006
5:24 PM
Anonymous writes:
My girlfriend and I drove in from Missouri yesterday and aside from a few flurries, we were asking ourselves: "where's all the snow?" BAM! This morning our repeated question was answered. I intended on driving to Denver today. Initially, the normally hour-long jaunt looked like a six or seven hour trek, now with Colorado's interstate system paralyzed: no luck for who knows how long. So, I like all Coloradans wait plans put on hold indefinitely as atrocious winds howl outside taking the temperature down to the zero degree mark. It’s a nice night for a fire and something warm to drink. Happy Blizzard!
December 20, 2006
5:26 PM
August Skamenca writes:
My girlfriend and I drove in from Missouri yesterday and aside from a few flurries, we were asking ourselves: "where's all the snow?" BAM! This morning our repeated question was answered. I intended on driving to Denver today. Initially, the normally hour-long jaunt looked like a six or seven hour trek, now with Colorado's interstate system paralyzed: no luck for who knows how long. So, I like all Coloradans wait plans put on hold indefinitely as atrocious winds howl outside taking the temperature down to the zero degree mark. It’s a nice night for a fire and something warm to drink. Happy Blizzard!
December 20, 2006
6:00 PM
fiesty writes:
I had a guest driving in from SD and my sister from NE. Both were due to drive in today. I called them yesterday and recommended they drive in. They thought I was "overreacting" since they were both used to snow. Well, after looking out the window, they are SOO glad they drove yesterday! According to the snowfall totals, we've only had 14 inches near our house, but with the winds, it seems like more. The snow in my front yard is up to my porch, and most of my Christmas decorations are completely buried.
I LOVE IT!
December 20, 2006
6:20 PM
EK writes:
There was no sign of the blizzard last night. It was peaceful and mild. When my friends and I heard that a huge storm was coming down our way to dump 10 to 20 inches snow, we had a hard time to believe it.
I have an early flight tomorrow morning to catch from Denver International Airport to Atlanta. When I learned that three flights including mine were cancelled tomorrow, I got on the phone with Delta Airline for 64 minutes trying to get a new reservation. My husband works in his San Jose, CA office most of time. He will fly to Hilton Head from San Jose. I had planed this trip to go down to Hilton Head, South Carolina to visit my 80+ year young mother-in-law who lives there by herself. We had all the Christmas presents sent through US Postal Office. She is waiting for us to come home for Christmas. My husband will be there in time but I may not be able to.
After being on the phone with Delta Airline SkyMiles Service Rep, I came with the empty hands and a huge disappointment. Delta Airline can’t find me any available seat in the next 5 to 7 days from either Denver or Colorado Spring to Atlanta. I have the feeling my mother-in-law and my husband are going to be very disappointed dealing with the reality that I can't get out Denver to meet them for Christmas.
I started to get really disappointed with the thought that I may not be able to come home for Christmas. I have high hopes to come home for Christmas.
I lost my job with Sun three month ago. I was hoping a Christmas magic will enlighten me with towns of ideas to open new opportunities in 2007. This is what I want from Santa and I have to be with my family to make the magic work. Now I need to figure out a way to make myself feel I can find a magic to make things work and get myself out of DIA. Believe me I am trying...
December 20, 2006
7:53 PM
norman Stark writes:
All the snow is like a fairy land all covered in sugar and marshmellows. Colorado truely gets in the spirit of Christmas!!!
December 20, 2006
9:05 PM
JJ writes:
Hello all:
Well, I arrived at the hospital this am with no idea that I would be stuck here in what we call a Code Orange - meaning many of our staff could not get here for the evening shift. So I am still awake, reading the newspaper, watching carefully over patients sleeping. The hospital was generous enough to put us up in rooms and I can't wait to go to sleep at one tonight! (a 20 hour shift)
I will catch a few winks and get up to run the ED again for several hours before dredging home through the snow. Yay for 4-wheel drive!!
So all of you hard workers who brave this storm, be safe.
December 20, 2006
10:27 PM
Joseph R. writes:
This really isn't the horrible disaster the news is making it out to be. This storm wasn't any kind of surprise and anyone in this part of the country not prepared to deal with snowy roads (ie studded tires/snow tires/chains/etc) needs to consider simply staying in when such a storm is on the way. I remember years in the past when winter weather was frequently like this. While visibility was rough a couple times today - the amount of snow really isn't unmanageable. The people I assisted who were stuck/stranded today all had one thing in common: lack of appropriate tires. Be prepared for the environment in which you live.
December 21, 2006
2:48 AM
Jarod writes:
Where do I start!!
First I had to walk 1/2 mile to the bus stop in almost 1 foot of snow then ride the bus from lakewood to downtown to go to work. Then walk another 3/4 of mile to my job, everything went well from there then my partner and I got a call from our boss saying that our relief was not going to show up (we work in security) and that we are going to have to stay and work another 8 hours. So total we worked 16 hours today but I guess it's better to be inside on a day like this.
December 21, 2006
6:19 AM
DLT writes:
I have been in Colorado now for a few years, and never seen a place get shut down so easily by snow. Denver and surrounding metro areas need to come up with a much better plan for managing the streets, including residential roads. Having lived many years in upper Midwest metro areas where winter storms are stronger and more frequent, people were always able to safely moving around if desired. Perhaps Denver and CDOT need to learn from more successfully managed areas, such as Chicago, Minneapolis or Milwaukee.
December 21, 2006
7:10 AM
bk writes:
DIA needs to put a muzzle on their communications person. They kept telling media for hours on Wednesday that "DIA is open" even though the major airlines had already announced that virtually all flights were being cancelled. Many people went (or tried to go) to the airport in hazzardous conditions, stranding thousands both on and off the airport. The communications folks need to wake up and realize that encouraging travellers to come to the airport as a major blizzard is worsening is a stupid and dangerous idea, even if one or two runways might technically be open. This borders on negligence, particularly when you've already got many thousands of people stranded at the airport that you're going to have a hard time caring for.
December 21, 2006
8:10 AM
earthwymon writes:
poudre school district has awesome bus drivers!
December 21, 2006
9:14 AM
CO Native in Anaheim, CA writes:
I miss Colorado.
December 21, 2006
9:20 AM
snow King writes:
NO, I wasn't the least bit effected by the two plus feet of snow! What a stupid question. Surely Mark you can ask something about the broncos or the war in Iraq?
December 21, 2006
9:21 AM
Anonymous writes:
Bush did this!
Have you noticed that minorities are more impacted by the storm?
Impeach now!
December 21, 2006
9:25 AM
Adam writes:
Once again this city's infrastructure has fallen apart. I passed at least a dozen trucks this morning with their plows RAISED. NOTHING IS PLOWED!!!
City officials across the northeast and northwest are sitting back and laughing at the joke of urban organization that is Denver.
WHY THE HELL DOES HICKENLOOPER STILL HAVE A JOB?!!!!!!!!
December 21, 2006
9:26 AM
Greg W writes:
I moved from Colorado 15 years ago after living there for 25 years.
It is supposed to reach a chilly high of 60 today in Phoenix.
I feel your pain...Keep digging
December 21, 2006
10:05 AM
GR8FULDUDE writes:
Great day! I am warm safe and dry, and have a fridge full of food. . The only thing I will be doing today is gr8fulgirl...
December 21, 2006
10:32 AM
Anonymous writes:
dude - good thinking, and thanks for the suggestion - I'm going to be offline for a few hours .... hehehe
December 21, 2006
10:49 AM
Wi Fi Gi writes:
Stranded at the nearest hotel to the I-25 south-bound closure, I don't get why these metro-area hospitals are releasing patients into this mess. No longer angels of mercy.
December 21, 2006
11:03 AM
Bernadette writes:
What is truly amazing in all of this are employers who wait until the last minute to let their employees go home - afraid to be responsible managers!! all of the news stations were very clear on Tuesday night as to what was going to happen - God forbid that you would direct your employees to stay home and out of a potentially dangerous situation. B.
December 21, 2006
11:18 AM
FS writes:
I was one of the 300+ people waiting for the same 120x northbound yesterday at Market Street Station because 1-my job didn't decide we could all stay home until after we got there and 2-yet again RTD dropped the ball. After two hours they pulled the training buses in to help with the load. gee, maybe they should have thought of that sooner?
December 21, 2006
11:21 AM
Anonymous writes:
RTD = Reason To Drive
December 21, 2006
11:30 AM
Tree F. Hugger writes:
8dude-Mark W.- HB
Sorry, I get to laugh about "your" storm. I'm in 44 degrees Detroit enjoying everyday drizzle overcast. I broke down and went to the stadium show last night at the Palace- Bob Seger. He rocked the joint. Sure his voice is a little bit older, so am I and so are you. Fly on in, he's playing 2 more nights. Oh, DIA is closed....pun intended. Rock on guys and get to know your shovel on a first name basis.
December 21, 2006
12:15 PM
jay writes:
We are having a great couple of snow days. I drove the two miles to downtown yesterday to pick the wife up at the light rail station before heading to the grocery and liquor stores. We've been having a party ever since. Several people slept over last night and the poker has been lucrative so far (for me anyway). I did some shoveling yesterday evening and knocked the heavy stuff from the trees and bushes...everything needs to be done again of course. I'm kicking myself for not pulling the trigger on a snowblower two weeks ago.
Hope everyone took the time to prepare and is safe at home.
Happy Snow Day.
December 21, 2006
12:44 PM
ME ME writes:
Denver city gov't is a joke. Mayor Loop is a joke. Incompetence.
December 21, 2006
1:19 PM
Anonymous writes:
just between you 'n me Hugger dude, I've been to the motor city and parts thereby many, many times, and I'd take this 5 or 6 times a year rather than the humidity during the summer there .... and the last time I was there, a swarm of skeeters that were big enough to throw saddles on, dang near had me drained before I could get to shelter
December 21, 2006
3:24 PM
drdrakeramore writes:
dude, why do i miss all the fun?!! get my flight moving back to denver!
December 21, 2006
6:23 PM
james writes:
Photos from Congress Park:
http://www.futuregringo.com/index.php/2006/12/20/snow-day/
I caught a quick story on the news about how much the malls and retailers are losing during these three days with everyone stuck home. But from a small picture the businesses near me are doing great, which is why I try to support places like this all year around. I can't think of a better way to spend a day with your family than being indoors together, or pulling kids on sleds through the streets, or helping your neighbors shovel, push their cars around, and commiserate together. (Copy and paste for definition or "Real America")
Of course I feel for anyone stuck on an airport cot living on Cinnabons and Mountain Dew, or missing out on a big sales commision, but an unusual non-disasterous experience can always be good in some way.
December 21, 2006
6:26 PM
james writes:
Damn right Gabe!! My neigbhorhood is all out shoveling together - digging out the old folks and helping each other. Get off your butt and do something.
If you chose to live in a windy Highlands Ranch secondary street, then don't expect it to be plowed.
December 21, 2006
6:26 PM
Gabe Stein writes:
To all of you whining about Mayor Hick and the roads - you obviously haven't been outside. The roads were in EXCELLENT condition today. Our side street wasn't plowed, but once we dug out and got to even a rather minor street, we were able to get going - and then all of the major roads in my area like Colorado, Leetsdale, Monaco,. Evans, etc. were really well plowed. The Mayor and the city did a GREAT job with this storm, and should be commended. Considering the amount of snow that fell on the city, the roads were very, very well plowed.
To all of you complaining - give me a break. You're probably whining because YOUR little side street isn't plowed. Well, I have a recommendation for you: get out of your pajamas and off your sofa, stop listening to the media hype up this storm, get outside, and start shoveling. Not only will it be good for you to get a little exercise, but once you get going and actually see the roads, you'll realize that the city did a marvelous job.
What I can't stand, though, is people who are inside whining because their side street didn't get plowed while the rest of us are outside digging out. You can't expect the city to plow every little residential road and inlet - but we should expect them to hit the big and medium-sized ones. The city did that and more very, very well today. Hick is awesome.
December 21, 2006
6:39 PM
Anonymous writes:
If you haven't heard, RTD will be running a sunday/holiday schedul only tomarrow Friday the 22ed. So if you depend on an express bus forget it because none will be running. Have fun.
December 22, 2006
11:58 AM
Anonymous writes:
Boulder County did a great job clearing its roads. Not surprising, its the only county in Colorado where the public chooses to raise taxes on itself.
December 22, 2006
12:27 PM
KIds are great writes:
The kids in my 80 year old dads neighborhood shoveled his driveway. I got to get them some Best Buy gift cards.
December 22, 2006
1:38 PM
ML writes:
What amazes me is, despite the driving conditions, the number of people who were/are still yapping away on their cell phones. Geez, people...how about paying attention just once??!!??
December 22, 2006
6:34 PM
Anonymous writes:
http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_4883157
December 22, 2006
8:46 PM
David Hakala writes:
I agree with Hick and Owens. It would be wasteful to buy snow removal equipment that's needed only once in five years. My general rule is if you haven't used it in a year, put it on eBay.
Quick-hitch plows for trash trucks are tempting right now, though.
December 22, 2006
9:06 PM
David Hakala writes:
OK, so I did the right thing for my postman. Even though I rarely go out the front door myself, I cleared the porch, the steps, the walkway leading to the steps, and the sidewalk all the way to the curb. I mean right down to bare concrete; after an hour of sun, it became as dry and safe as June.
Then I waited eagerly for the mail I haven't seen since Tuesday. And what did I get for my trouble and thoughfulness?
Two fliers addressed to "Current Resident". One from Qwest, the other from a new Asian grill.
No good deed goes unpunished.