Update on Rocky Mountain National Park road status on east side of the park

Plowing efforts in RMNP along Bear Lake Road January 7 2022 / Photo Courtesy RMNP

RMNP UPDATE - January 8, 2022, 9:09 AM

Please note - photograph was taken yesterday, January 8, on Bear Lake Road when there was blue sky.  It's currently snowing in that location this morning.


Drifting snow caused by significant wind during and after the recent snowstorm continues to cause challenging conditions on the east side of Rocky Mountain National Park.  This morning, snow and wind at higher elevations are again hampering efforts. Park snowplow operators are encountering drifts from 6 to 12 feet along sections of park roads above 8,500 feet.  A drift above Hollowell Park, along Bear Lake Road at approximately 9,000 feet, is 300 yards long, 8 feet deep, and covers the full width of the road surface.  There are numerous deep drifts along Trail Ridge Road from Beaver Meadows Entrance and Fall River Entrance to Deer Ridge Junction.  

Longtime park snowplow operators are comparing it to similar conditions when opening Trail Ridge Road above 12,000 feet for the season.  One to ten inches of snow, along with wind gusts, can quickly cause significant drifts on roads. As plow drivers plow through some sections, the roads drift in behind them at the next gust.

Warm temperatures on roadways prior to the storm, followed by frigid temperatures, then snow and rain added a thick layer of ice. Ice, winds, drifted and consolidated snow are impacting heavy equipment and rotary plows.  These drifts cannot be pushed through with a typical snowplow.  It takes time and specialized heavy duty equipment to cut through these drifts.  

Two lanes of roadway need to be accessible before sections of roads will be open to park visitors.  

For updated status on park roads please follow the park on Twitter @RockyNPS.

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