Blowing Snow Conditions Different and Subject to Sudden Change Across Region

County struggles to keep Pryor Mountain Road south of Bridger passable; winds can pick up and gust without warning

Compiled by Denise Rivette

CarbonAlert posted the following:

Pryor Mountain Road south of Bridger has severe drifting from the highway all of the way through. The road crews have tried to keep a passable lane, but blowing snow continues to causing drifting.

Wind conditions are different all around the county and are constantly changing. Throughout the weekend the road crews have been out and about in several areas trying to keep roads as clear as they can. Please travel with caution knowing road conditions can change very quickly.

SEASONAL TRAVEL THOUGHTS

You will get to your destination sooner by following a snow plow than you will if you get stuck in a snowdrift in front of one after passing it.

‘Tis the season for flash frozen roads. Be extra cautious. Wet roads become ice sheets without warning when temperatures drop quickly.

• SLOW DOWN

• KEEP HEADLIGHTS ON

• BUCKLE YOUR SEAT BELT

• LET SOMEONE KNOW YOUR ROUTE

• HAVE A FULLY CHARGED PHONE AND CHARGER

• HAVE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLIES KIT

• If you are driving and begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels in the direction you want the front of the car to go. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.

• If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves. Turn off your lights and use your parking break when stopped so that another car won't mistakenly follow your tail/brake lights and end up hitting you.

If your car gets stuck during freezing weather:

• STAY IN THE VEHICLE!

  • If you leave your vehicle, you can become disoriented quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.

  • Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.

  • While running the motor, open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Clear snow from the exhaust pipe to avoid gas poisoning.

• BE VISIBLE TO RESCUERS

  • Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.

  • Tie a bright colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.

  • After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.