Colorado Trip
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 886
Likes: 273
From: Greenwell Springs La.
Colorado Trip
My wife and I are going to drive our Vette to Avon Colorado next week and would like to know how the weather is going to be. Any Colorado members that can give us some info on how the Vette will do if it snows a little. I have never driven a Vette in the Rockies so I am hoping it will be fun. I have been there in the summer many times but never in the Vette and never in any snow. Jimmy
Cruising
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
Currently the weather is not too nice, 33 and it looks like it could snow. The forecast says 1 or 2 inches possible tomorrow here in Denver. The mountains got some snow yesterday. One forecast says it should start to clear up on Tuesday but rain is still possible. The Weather Channel says rain most days.
Denver
http://www.weather.com/activities/ot...cst_undeclared
Avon (Zip Code 81620)
http://www.weather.com/activities/ot...cst_undeclared
Denver
http://www.weather.com/activities/ot...cst_undeclared
Avon (Zip Code 81620)
http://www.weather.com/activities/ot...cst_undeclared
Racer
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 399
Likes: 0
From: Mtns of Western NC & SW FLA
Who the h ell knows what the weather is gonna be anywhere, next week?
I'd check this link or weather.com before you roll, and plug in some cities and towns along your route, too.
I've ridden CO many times in summer on one of my m'cycles, and have Always seen/ridden in some snow, ...not fun, nor would the Vette be,imo. GL,md
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/...uery=Avon%2CCO
I'd check this link or weather.com before you roll, and plug in some cities and towns along your route, too.
I've ridden CO many times in summer on one of my m'cycles, and have Always seen/ridden in some snow, ...not fun, nor would the Vette be,imo. GL,md
http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/...uery=Avon%2CCO
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Morrison CO
Lately the weather has been lousy (rain and flurries in Denver 
) and is supposed to stay that way for a few more days. The usual schitzo spring weather. It's been snowing in the mountains quite a bit. I think the latest forecast is calling for better weather by midweek. As for driving in the snow I would be careful not just of the snow but the other wackos 
on the road. People here have a tendency to drive stupid 
in snow. Lots of four wheel drives that think they can drive at any speed in the snow. They can they just can't stop very well. The other problem driving in snow is the ground clearance, Vettes make lousy snowplows. Not trying to discourage you, just be careful. The good thing here is that the snow normally disappears quick in the spring. The highway guys do a pretty good job of clearing the roads so that helps. If the roads are dry you should have a blast with your Vette in the mountains 
. Even with the altitude power loss you'll be cruising past about everything else on the road. Enjoy your road trip 
.
) and is supposed to stay that way for a few more days. The usual schitzo spring weather. It's been snowing in the mountains quite a bit. I think the latest forecast is calling for better weather by midweek. As for driving in the snow I would be careful not just of the snow but the other wackos on the road. People here have a tendency to drive stupid in snow. Lots of four wheel drives that think they can drive at any speed in the snow. They can they just can't stop very well. The other problem driving in snow is the ground clearance, Vettes make lousy snowplows. Not trying to discourage you, just be careful. The good thing here is that the snow normally disappears quick in the spring. The highway guys do a pretty good job of clearing the roads so that helps. If the roads are dry you should have a blast with your Vette in the mountains . Even with the altitude power loss you'll be cruising past about everything else on the road. Enjoy your road trip .
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,150
Likes: 1
From: Colorado
I think you will probably be fine! Everyone always says here in Colorado, if you don't like the weather wait a couple of hours, it will change. 3 weeks ago, on Saturday it was in the 70's, and on Sunday we got 20" of snow here at my house. That melted completely by tuesday. If it does happen to snow anymore, they are small spring storms. My wife and I were in Vail two years ago during Memorial day weekend. On the way home it started snowing like a b*tch over Vail pass and then up to Eisenhour tunnel, and we were in the vette. It was fine, just didn't drive fast and no problems. Like 03 Yellow said it looks like it might snow now, but this morning the sun was shining with blue skies.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Colorado WX report
Originally Posted by joghotrod
My wife and I are going to drive our Vette to Avon Colorado next week and would like to know how the weather is going to be. Any Colorado members that can give us some info on how the Vette will do if it snows a little. I have never driven a Vette in the Rockies so I am hoping it will be fun. I have been there in the summer many times but never in the Vette and never in any snow. Jimmy
Glad you are going to visit the Centennial State. Here is my favorite WX link:
http://www.weatherunderground.com/cg...ery=avon%2C+co
Eagle seems to be the closest weather station to Avon. Click the local radar then the animated option and you will see storms move in the area, virtually real time.
You will want to stay VERY connected to this site, too:
http://www.cotrip.org/
This is the real-time weather camera and reader board location for the Colorado Dept. Of Transportation.
Spring is when we get our major snows, and tho' May is a little late in the season for massive accumulations, it DOES happen!
E-mail me privately a day or so before you head out and I will get to you with what I know of the forecast at that time. Happy travels.
John
'02 Coupe in Colorado Springs
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 23
From: Newton, Wisconsin
I'm just 75 miles north of there in Steamboat. Yesterday we got 9" of snow, more today and the weather map looks terrible for the next week. The real caution is going over the passes and especially Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass going into Avon on I-70. Please check with CDOT on those locations. They are succeptable to snow and ice on any given day of the year, especially in the spring! When you cross the Continental Divide it can make a world of difference on the other side. Rabbit Ears Pass outside of Steamboat had 30"+ on the ground before the last snow storm, and is rumored to have gotten quite a bit of new snow. I have several friends who are going skiing there tomorrow.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 886
Likes: 273
From: Greenwell Springs La.
Thanks for the weather info. I wish I had planned this trip a few weeks later. I will check the weather a day or two before we go and see what happens. If I go through Canon city to Hwy 9 to I-70 is that a better way as for as snow is concerned? Do they keep those hwy's clear? Thanks again guys. Jimmy
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Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 404
Likes: 0
From: Morrison CO
I wouldn't recommend that route if the forecast is for anything less than good weather. That will take you thru the South Park 
area, Hartsel and Fairplay (don't blink) 
, and then over Hoosier Pass down into Breckenridge to I-70. A really nice scenic drive in good weather but no fun at all in snow. If you go that way and it snows you have no options, there's not much between Canon City and Hartsel. If it's snowing and windy that will be a drive you'll regret . Coming from the south the I-25 to C-470 to I-70 route is best if there is any chance of bad weather. The plow guys are pretty good around here but "Hwy 9" a two-laner is not nearly as well maintained as the interstates in bad weather. Look at it this way, a couple of plows to cover 50 miles of wide open high country road is not going to be able to keep it very clean. Some of the other posts have some great weather sites and numbers to call for road checks, I recommend you use them. It snowed again in Denver overnight (roads are just wet) and the high country got it as well. The mountain forecast is 40/20 with snow for the next couple of days. Good luck.
area, Hartsel and Fairplay (don't blink) , and then over Hoosier Pass down into Breckenridge to I-70. A really nice scenic drive in good weather but no fun at all in snow. If you go that way and it snows you have no options, there's not much between Canon City and Hartsel. If it's snowing and windy that will be a drive you'll regret . Coming from the south the I-25 to C-470 to I-70 route is best if there is any chance of bad weather. The plow guys are pretty good around here but "Hwy 9" a two-laner is not nearly as well maintained as the interstates in bad weather. Look at it this way, a couple of plows to cover 50 miles of wide open high country road is not going to be able to keep it very clean. Some of the other posts have some great weather sites and numbers to call for road checks, I recommend you use them. It snowed again in Denver overnight (roads are just wet) and the high country got it as well. The mountain forecast is 40/20 with snow for the next couple of days. Good luck.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs, Colo., USA
Originally Posted by cheetah66
I wouldn't recommend that route if the forecast is for anything less than good weather. That will take you thru the South Park area, Hartsel and Fairplay (don't blink) , and then over Hoosier Pass down into Breckenridge to I-70. A really nice scenic drive in good weather but no fun at all in snow.
area, Hartsel and Fairplay (don't blink) , and then over Hoosier Pass down into Breckenridge to I-70. A really nice scenic drive in good weather but no fun at all in snow. 
Good counsel. Chettah66! Jimmy, I responded privately.JH
'02 Coupe in Colorado
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 886
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From: Greenwell Springs La.
I will be heading your way about Friday the 6th. I will probably go the safe way to make sure I get there. I am glad I asked about the route through Canon City. Anybody want a cheap week in Avon to ski? I wanted to enjoy the Vette on the scenic back roads not I-25 and I-70. Maybe by friday it will be getting better. Thanks again. This forum is the best! Jimmy
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Not sure what the weather out there will be, but hopefully it will be nice. Good luck on the trip if you go.
Racer
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 404
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From: Morrison CO
If you're not heading out until Friday you may be in luck for some backroad cruising. The mountain forecast for next weekend is a big improvement over this past one.
Try this link for the latest Avon forecast http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClic...te=CO&site=GJT.
Good luck
Try this link for the latest Avon forecast http://www.crh.noaa.gov/ifps/MapClic...te=CO&site=GJT.
Good luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,150
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From: Colorado
Originally Posted by joghotrod
Anybody want a cheap week in Avon to ski?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 886
Likes: 273
From: Greenwell Springs La.
I was joking about the cheap week for skiing and we don't ski anyway. We just love the beautiful mountains and the cool weather in the summer. We just got too much in a hurry to drive the Vette to the mountains. But since the weather is looking better for later in the week we may be ok. Jimmy