Denver morning snow melts away

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 12, 2009 at 5:32 a.m.
Updated January 12, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.

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Dennis Schroeder © The Rocky

Steve Little skis home from Washington Park, in Monday January 12, 2009 as a fast moving storm stalled over the Metro area dropping about 5 inches of much needed snow. He usually runs, but said , " this is a nice change." Denver is behind almost a foot in precipitation for this time of the year. The storm is expected to move out later today and temperatures should be on the rise.

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. © The Rocky

A pedestrian directs traffic around two RTD buses that spun out during the early morning snowfall on East Colfax Avenue near Grant Street this morning.

Photo by George Kochaniec Jr. © The Rocky

Commuters brave the early morning snowfall on East Colfax Avenue at Colorado Boulevard this morning.

Photo by CDOT

Motorists tackle the snow-covered roads near I-25 and Colorado Boulevard this morning.

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January 12, 2009

7:30 a.m.

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KING writes:

i want the weather mans' job....who else can be so wrong ALL THE TIME and still have a job...besides the president of course.
January 12, 2009

7:42 a.m.

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benn writes:

I have way, way more than 2 inches here in Broomfield
January 12, 2009

8:42 a.m.

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Ottis writes:

Accuweather among others is forecasting snow all day into the evening. Local weather is saying it should end by the end of rush hour or by noon. Who will be correct?
January 12, 2009

8:54 a.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

All you people in small, front wheel drive cars that spun their wheels and then got stuck on even the slightest hill in front of me while I was driving to work, thanks. It's time to realize that you live in Colorado and that you might occasionally need an all wheel drive vehicle. Regardless, you were not prepared motorists this morning. The helpless expressions on your faces as I finally passed you were almost worth the extra time I spent in my car today. Almost.
January 12, 2009

8:55 a.m.

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Acemon writes:

nobodyman,

Next time bad weather is approaching, share your personal forecast and we'll all see how well you do. Storms like this are as tough to predict as the stock market.
January 12, 2009

8:59 a.m.

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Romanesco writes:

I'd like to second CaptainObvious' thanks, but to those with large SUV's who think they own the road, but still don't know how drive in the snow.
January 12, 2009

9:05 a.m.

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rickg19611 writes:

"Storms like this are as tough to predict as the stock market."

Funny how the same clowns claiming it is difficult to predict snow in Colorado in January are the same ones claiming that predictions of global warming temperatures 100 years from now are guaranteed to be 100% perfect.
January 12, 2009

9:11 a.m.

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Beergut writes:

CaptainObvious:

Buy me a new vehicle I'll drive it, but until then shut up.
Some of us drive once or twice a year in the snow; today was one of those days. If the forecast says snow I plan to work from home, but the forecast didn't call for it. Once or twice a year isn't a reason to go spend money on a new car, when mine gets to where it needs to. It just takes a little tender care getting up a hill. If you don't like, you stay off the roads. You are the reason that we have road rage, you are sitting there behind your care judging others. Shame, shame on you.
January 12, 2009

9:12 a.m.

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redhead68 writes:

@captainobvious: I've been standing in my kitchen window watching people drive up the hill next to my house. The small front wheel cars seem to be doing fine. It's the SUV and truck drivers who get stuck. They'll sit there, spinning they're tires for five minutes before it dawns on them to put it in reverse and roll back down the hill until they get some traction. I find it all extremely entertaining.
January 12, 2009

9:13 a.m.

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FCZ writes:

Is Al Gore in town ?

* Man made global warming * makes Al big money.
January 12, 2009

9:25 a.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

So I have to buy you a car appropriate for winter in Colorado (you know, the season that happens every year, right after fall, and always dumps snow on Denver at least at some point), or I have to shut up, beergut? No thanks. You can suk it. If you can't put a safe, appropriate vehicle on the road, then you shouldn't be driving, dumba$$! Driving isn't a right, it's a privilege. And driving a safe car appropriate for the conditions is your responsibility. Then again, with a name like beergut, you should probably be walking every morning anyway.
January 12, 2009

9:37 a.m.

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birddog writes:

Captain - Who died and made you king??

Obviously you don't get it!!

I drive one of those cars you are critical of. The last snowstorm when I commuted from Thornton. My little front wheel drive car did just fine thanks. Three vehicles went off the road all of them were AWD vehicles. Just because you have a technically improved car, doesn't mean you know how to drive.

Growing up in snow I learned how to drive and have never owned and AWD car. I have also never been stuck and never went off the road. This includes the March 2003 storm and the December snow storm from a couple of years ago.

Know your skills, know your limitations and drive accordingly!

But I won't be listening to an arrogant F*ckwit like yourself.
January 12, 2009

9:49 a.m.

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VMA_214 writes:

I wonder where CDOT was? They probably listened to the Fox 31 and CBS4 weather reports last night. " No snow until later in the day, rush hour in the morning, no problem."
As usual, head up their collective butts.
January 12, 2009

9:55 a.m.

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Beergut writes:

Capitan:

You are saying I have to buy a car that you approve of (my car has been in much worse climates and never been stuck, but it's one you have the all mighty vision of shouldn't be on the road).

Yet I couldn't get to work with a car, which means you are asking me to quit. If I quit I won't have money for food never mind a new car.

So yes if you feel the right to demand I have different vehicle, then you should pay for it. If you are unwilling to pay for it, the shut up.
January 12, 2009

10:09 a.m.

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bjones73 writes:

I love the positive, non-confrontational people these discussion boards bring out.

If anyone needs a little more negativity in their life, I highly recommend on hopping on any RMN or Denver Post "discussion" forum. You'll be satisfied in no time.
January 12, 2009

10:13 a.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

Wow. Such misunderstanding of a simple point. And you dimwits all have licenses! That is scary.

My only point was that in adverse conditions, people need a car and the brain-power appropriate for the conditions. This is the same reason that cops ticket semi-drivers for not having chains over mountain passes in snowy conditions. I passed a dozen idiots in stuck cars this morning who were obviously not ready for this weather, and they shouldn't have been on the road. That's all I'm saying. If you didn't get stuck, beergut, good for you. Want a cookie? Birddog, I'm a what? Why so sensitive? Small tubes? Get over it. The fact that you two get so upset m,akes me wonder if you weren't, in fact, some of the dolts spinning their tires in front of me.
January 12, 2009

10:22 a.m.

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IRUNMAN writes:

I would like to thank the 4WD pickup on 8th Ave that had spun out and was stuck in gutter, blocking one lane of traffic.

My little front wheel drive Saturn had a hard time navigating around you but we did just fine.
January 12, 2009

10:30 a.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

No huge SUV for me-can't afford the gas. But nice (incorrect) assumption miskappier--you're probably wrong a lot. My car has AWD though, which I paid for knowing that I would need it in the winter, when the snow falls. I guess you wankers weren't aware that we get snow here, huh? Figures. And buy your own dang cars! Jeez, what a bunch of entitled babies.
January 12, 2009

10:31 a.m.

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violinga1 writes:

Regardless of the car you drive, stay home if you do not know how to drive in the snow!!!
January 12, 2009

10:47 a.m.

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44roger writes:

front wheel drive is good vehicle, I had a Subaru wagon in Tahoe, I went up the mountain in front wheel while the big SUV's were chaining up, used 4 wheel going down so back wouldn't slide around, better car than any I've had for snow. I went from 4300 altitude to 6300 every day. And Tahoe gets 18 feet a year---As one comment says, no matter what you drive, if you don't have the skills to know when to stay home, doesn't make any difference. More 4 wheelers in the ditch than 2, because they don't know it won't stop any faster----
January 12, 2009

11:07 a.m.

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bookwerm writes:

FWD is just fine.. what matters more is traction control, decent tires, and caution! Buying ANY AWD or SUV means paying more for gas EVERY DAY.. even when it doesn't snow.. While I have a Jeep Cherokee 4WD, gets 20MPG (manual), I surely do not support others buying AWD just for the few days of snow we get, since they would also use MORE GAS every single day..
A Subaru gets about 24MPG.. used to be 28MPG, but they dumped the 2.2 liter for more "power" for gods sake.. A Honda Fit gets about 40MPG in practice.. almost double the MPG.. So, we are talking hundreds or thousands more per year in gas costs for just a few days of snow..
Now, don't mistake me.. I like 4WD and can totally understand others getting it.. and yes, I am a rocket scientist.. but FWD with traction control, ABS etc. is a more useful package and system than my archaic Part Time 4WD with regular brakes!
So, if you MUST have AWD, suggest the Suzuki SX4, excellent system with decent MPG.. Much less costly than the overpriced Subies. Get something that at least hits mid 20s MPG.
January 12, 2009

11:08 a.m.

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benn writes:

I drive a front-wheel Honda Accord, and I have never had any problems. The only time i have had a problem is the once every 4 year situation where the snow is so deep that I can get high-centered.... but if it snows that much, then there is no reason for me to go out.
January 12, 2009

11:19 a.m.

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birddog writes:

Cappy,

Don't you find it interesting nobody is taking your side on the argument?

And I am the angry one?
January 12, 2009

11:21 a.m.

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peter303 writes:

Last evening's weather felt different. Normally the Chinook winds are bone-dry and make me irritable. This one was more moist and made me feel more energetic.
January 12, 2009

11:25 a.m.

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NYGUYlovinDB writes:

It has everything to do with the tires anyway people. UPstateNY Lake effect snow daily...
January 12, 2009

11:28 a.m.

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pete10000ft writes:

4wd <> 4 wheel stop
January 12, 2009

11:32 a.m.

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LoneTreeLady75 writes:

My Honda Accord and I did just fine this morning. It was pretty funny watching a Ford Explorer spin out on Colorado & Evans as the driver tried to make a quick left turn.
January 12, 2009

11:36 a.m.

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rdfland writes:

Notice how we were supposed to get a light dusting?
And for driving, I got cut off by two cars with Front Wheele drive and they struggled to get anywhere, the second running a pickup off the road and almost causing me to rear-end her in one instance only to finally get out of the far left lane a mile later to the far right cutting off three lanes of traffic. It isn't the car, it's the driver in these instances. I just wish people would recognize they are poor drivers and get out of the way.
January 12, 2009

11:50 a.m.

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Grim_Reefer writes:

CaptainObvious: please explain why there's a 4-wheel drive jeep flipped over on its roof a block from my house?

I've seen more SUV's and Jeeps have problems in snow...of course a few cars have trouble on the hills...but some good tires go a long way...4-wheel drive gaurantees nothing in snow.
January 12, 2009

11:51 a.m.

CaptainObvious writes:

(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
January 12, 2009

11:53 a.m.

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jersey writes:

King: Great post! What gets me is the Stations are so quick to inundate us with and are so proud of their latest forecasting equipment like Doppler, Double Doppler, Next Rad etc., yet, they are constantly being SURPRISED. During my time I've lived in a number of different States with the last 28 being here and collectively they are by far the worst I've ever seen! If these Turkeys were to predict which day of the week followed the current, I would still consult the calendar! Yet, they have the nerve to want to give me a 5 day forecast? I'll take my chances on looking out of the window!
January 12, 2009

11:58 a.m.

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Allseasonsfan writes:

People get real. Knowing how to drive your car is the most important thing. Followed by good tires. And 4wd or AWD does not help you stop any better.

When it starts snowing at 4:30am it is really difficult to get ahead of a storm for plowing. By the time you there is snow to plow, all you idiots are out congesting the roads making it near impossible for plows to operate. They put liquid mag down to resolve this issue, but you complain about that as well. Most of you should just shut up, and let people do their jobs.
January 12, 2009

11:59 a.m.

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Grim_Reefer writes:

ps- all forecasters should be fired!
January 12, 2009

12:16 p.m.

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sylavendara writes:

I want the Captain's job - because Obviously he has more than enough time to read and post without intrusions of work duties, makes enough money to afford a fine snow-worthy vehicle and is so knowledgeable that his opinions and rhetoric reign supreme!
January 12, 2009

12:23 p.m.

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LS writes:

Those that point out that it is the driving skills (and common sense) that keep you on the road -- not whether you have 4WD or AWD -- are completely correct! Like most others, my Accord does just fine, has front wheel drive, all terrain radials and is certainly NOT the "old POS" that Obvious considers those types of cars to be. Obvious is probably too young to remember the real wheel drive cars, and we managed just fine here in Colorado with those too.

If it appears the snow is too deep for my Honda, then I'll unhook my F350 from the horse trailer and use that. And if I'm in a generous mood, I'll yank his stellar AWD out of the ditch when he ends up in one -- because he will eventually -- with an attitude like that. Get over yourself dude, before you hurt somebody.
January 12, 2009

12:24 p.m.

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HankReardon writes:

I love donunts! (and boot-hopping) ;)
January 12, 2009

12:26 p.m.

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LS writes:

Ummm, that's rear wheel drive. Well. Anyway.
January 12, 2009

12:28 p.m.

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Triumph writes:

All of you posters are going to get Cathy Sabine, Mike Nelson, Ed Greene and Angie Austin on the defensive again. Like Mike Nelson argued with an e-mailer one day that "Of course meterology was an "exact science.

Too bad Mike and the rest haven't mastered it yet with all their million dollar super dopplers and the other elaborate equipment they have at their disposal. Cathy Sabine was very upset the last time they missed a "freak" storm and pulled her 9News weather crew together in a round table to whine that people expect them to give the the "exact" moment it is going to snow.

Sweet Cathy, a ball park figure would do! Besides that's what you get the big bucks for. To take the heat if you are wrong and say "oops sorry folks we miss them sometimes". Honest we will understand! Don't go off a false pride trip. Also in the future remember your super dopplers aren't crystal balls peering into the future as you want us to believe. Just try for a two day weather forecast until you get better at your profession.
January 12, 2009

12:37 p.m.

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StillUndecided writes:

A few people have mentioned this but I will chime in. The key is dedicated SNOW tires (and some common sense when driving). I have dedicated ice/snow tires on separate rims that get installed at the first sign of snow. It is a small price to pay to know that I will not be slipping and sliding around when the roads get bad. Sure they help you get going and not get stuck, but their real value is in stopping. You cannot control the person that spins out in front of you. You can, however, buy yourself many feet of decreased stopping distance by having tires that are designed for the conditions.

We may only have a few days of bad roads each year in the Denver area, but we are pretty much guaranteed to have a few days of bad roads each year... The couple hundred bucks that the snow tires would have cost will look pretty cheap if you end up paying for what should have been a preventable accident.
January 12, 2009

12:58 p.m.

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CaptainObvious writes:

"Get over yourself dude, before you hurt somebody."

It wasn't a problem getting over, it was a problem getting around. As in getting around all the clueless dolts who became human pylons when their cars got stuck this morning. Also, I haven't hurt a single person with my car. Ever. I have, though, had a number of people slide sideways into me. They blamed the snow. The police report blamed them. And thanks but no thanks for the help getting out of the ditch. With an attitude like yours, I'd rather do without that particular assistance. Besides, I don't spend much time in ditches. (Psst: Here's a clue--staying out of ditches has a lot more to do with driving skill than attitude.) But thanks.

Cheers, and good luck to all on the drive home.
January 12, 2009

1 p.m.

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sweetater writes:

King,
I have always wanted to be a forecaster in Colorado, even told my kids has to be the easiest job !! Considering that all they seem to do is just give us a guess along with the season

I watched Fox31 and every story started out with the new coach for the Broncos
As all of you argue over driving may I please ask that you watch for pedestrians. You see I walk to work in this weather and I wait at stop signs am careful walking accross streets I stay on the sidewalk and still almost get ranover. I stopped driving in it cause I am scared to death driving in it which makes it worse on the other drivers.Got tired of people waving at me and not with all their fingers. Was that you Captain?:)
January 12, 2009

1:24 p.m.

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Shaupeen writes:

Four wheel drive, front wheel drive, all wheel drive. When driving in crummy conditions, none of it matters near as much as using your brain! I used to call it common sense, but after watching people this morning, I guess it's "not-so-common sense."
January 12, 2009

1:24 p.m.

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Francesca writes:

@ Captain Obvious. Did you knock on wood when you wrote you've never hurt anybody? Here. I'll do it for you. :-)

Since you seem to have a lot of people get into your space on the road, there's something you should culture into your "driving skills" called situational awareness. Some people have it naturally, some people are able to develop it and some never quite get it. Ask any pilot. Just sayin'.

Cheers also and everyone get home safe tonight.
January 12, 2009

1:42 p.m.

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dl1011 writes:

The weather forcasters reley on their computor tracks too much.Most of them said it would be a light dusting with possible rain showers.(Rain showers) in Jan.?? Where are the forcasters with weatherman Bowman skills? And to top it off, not one of them will say,"Oops, missed it".
January 12, 2009

2:02 p.m.

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Willy writes:

Real men buy 4wd vehicles, but never use it because the roads have never been bad enough to make it necessary :)
January 12, 2009

3:25 p.m.

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Newenergycommie writes:

Good call Willy. I will go you one further. I consider it a personal failure if the anti-lock brakes kick in. It means I haven't been paying attention and that I should have started braking sooner and more gently. It is un-manly to have the damn machine had to step in and save me.
January 12, 2009

3:56 p.m.

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joggle writes:

I've never needed 4wd and have driven in Colorado for 10 years. I used to drive an old Saab 900 with snow tires during the winter (and cables once or twice) and am now driving a Prius with just its stock all-season tires. Didn't have any trouble getting up hills this morning or accelerating from a stop, although I will probably get snow tires next year for more mountain driving.

Unless you drive a pickup it seems that all you usually need is snow tires on your drive wheels in order to get around. What gets me is all of the pickup drivers with rear-wheel drive and no load in the back so they have almost no way to accelerate from a dead stop.
January 12, 2009

4:18 p.m.

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Thetrainer090 writes:

It's not the type of car. It is the person operating it. If you don't know how to drive in snow then don't. I've seen small cars get stuck and I've seen AWD, 4X4's SUV's get stuck. It's how you drive, not what your driving. It's like a computer. It's only as good as whoever is operating it.
January 12, 2009

4:39 p.m.

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jackson_foi writes:

DIA January precipitation now 0.03 inches.
January 12, 2009

5:38 p.m.

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dmat44 writes:

A front wheel drive car and good tires (not necessarily snow tires) have gotten me everywhere I want to go in Colorado for many, many years. It's always been interesting to me when the roads are bad (such as on 1-70 going to/from the ski resorts) that it's the 4-wheel drive SUVs and trucks that I see upside down in a ditch on the side of the road.
January 12, 2009

8:59 p.m.

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Tree_Hugger writes:

There certainly seems to be a lot of ill will toward SUV and 4WD owners here in Colorado.

I have a four wheel drive - but I'm smart enough to know that four wheel drive doesn't make you stop any faster than two wheel drive.

The trouble is that a lot of other SUV owners still haven't figured that out yet. Some of them have to learn their lesson the hard way - by flipping over or running into curbs and guardrails.
January 13, 2009

6:33 a.m.

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HollyGoLightly writes:

What ever happened to the good days where we had compassion for someone that is stuck? Instead we honk, pull around them, possibly flip them the bird and judge the car they drive. Geez, people, have a heart and try to help someone out sometime. No wonder we have such a sad state of affairs.
January 13, 2009

9:28 a.m.

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jersey writes:

Tree_Hugger: The SUV owners you refer to in learning the hard way are the asinine ones who believe those commercials stating you could stop on a dime while decending Mt. Everest!
January 13, 2009

9:32 a.m.

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sweetater writes:

Holly,
I AGREE !!! What happened to the humanatarians in this world?

Home › News › Local News

Denver morning snow melts away

By Bill Scanlon, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 12, 2009 at 5:32 a.m.Updated January 12, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.

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Published January 12, 2009 at 5:32 a.m.
Updated January 12, 2009 at 3:06 p.m.