Torvy
Super Member
So can you say now who you saw there?
OP
Sigarms
Super Member
Ben Fuller, Tauren Wells, Josh Baldwin and Lauren Daigle.
OP
Sigarms
Super Member
Not to ask a dumb question, but can anyone let me know what these are actually used for? They were around Jefferson on 285 south/west heading towards Fair Play.
If I were to guess, perhaps something for snow given the area, but never have seen them before and not certain of why in certain areas and not elsewhere.
If I were to guess, perhaps something for snow given the area, but never have seen them before and not certain of why in certain areas and not elsewhere.
Too many Kubotas
Veteran Member
Those are to keep snowdrifts from ending up on the road.
Haven't seen them in places that aren't windy.
Haven't seen them in places that aren't windy.
jyoutz
Super Member
Yep. They’re called snow fences. They catch blowing snow and cause it to pile on the leeward side of the fence instead of the road. In some places along the interstate they plant trees and shrubs in strategic rows to do the same thing.
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Sigarms
Super Member
Funny I never really considered elevation before when I was single, being out west in Idaho and Montana boating.
Wife and I made the comment coming into the town of Jefferson Co that it reminded us of the Sierraville and Loyalton area north of Truckley Ca when we went to California last year to Lake Tahoe.
Made me look. Sierraville and Loylaton are right around 5,000' in elevation.
Jefferson is in the "valley" and is at a elevation of 9,500' (Fair Play is right under 10k'). To put that in perspective, the highest point on the East Coast is 6,684' (been on top of that hiking the AT a LONG time ago).
I was just surprised I never saw any snow fences with all the driving around in Northern California. Guess just didn't hit the right spots or I would have asked about them.
Wind makes sense on the drifts. Stopped at the Great Sand dunes national park, and they talked about wearing the proper clothing going up on the dunes due to sand blasting the skin. The drive there it was sunny, got there and by the time we got on the sand, clouds moved in and the wind was whipping up the sand and it was not fun. I can see why they want you to wear the proper clothing. Thing is, those dunes were next to a larger mountain. I guess the mountains can affect the lower areas around the mountains, and it can really get the wind going, thus the reason why around Jefferson they need those snow fences.
Wife and I made the comment coming into the town of Jefferson Co that it reminded us of the Sierraville and Loyalton area north of Truckley Ca when we went to California last year to Lake Tahoe.
Made me look. Sierraville and Loylaton are right around 5,000' in elevation.
Jefferson is in the "valley" and is at a elevation of 9,500' (Fair Play is right under 10k'). To put that in perspective, the highest point on the East Coast is 6,684' (been on top of that hiking the AT a LONG time ago).
I was just surprised I never saw any snow fences with all the driving around in Northern California. Guess just didn't hit the right spots or I would have asked about them.
Wind makes sense on the drifts. Stopped at the Great Sand dunes national park, and they talked about wearing the proper clothing going up on the dunes due to sand blasting the skin. The drive there it was sunny, got there and by the time we got on the sand, clouds moved in and the wind was whipping up the sand and it was not fun. I can see why they want you to wear the proper clothing. Thing is, those dunes were next to a larger mountain. I guess the mountains can affect the lower areas around the mountains, and it can really get the wind going, thus the reason why around Jefferson they need those snow fences.
jyoutz
Super Member
Those are very good questions that are a matter of local knowledge for those of us who live in the Rocky Mountains region. The winter storm fronts move in from the Pacific Ocean in the west and sweep eastward across the continent. If you are on the eastern front of the mountains, that Pacific airmass is pushed over the top of the Rockies and it moves downward to the east, bringing blowing snow from the west. That’s why you primarily see snow fences on the eastern side of tall mountain ranges.
Torvy
Super Member
Those are fancy ones. Snow fences are common back home. The fence briefly slows the wind and it drops some of the snow before it gets to the road. I lived on the flat half of SD, but we still used the fences.
I know of farmers who use them to increase the snow cover on their fields.
I know of farmers who use them to increase the snow cover on their fields.
2LaneCruzer
Super Member
I have visited the Plaza in Santa Fe, and agree...it's a great place to spend an afternoon and...bring money. I believe there is a historic church there (It's been a long time) that is worth a visit. And the food is good too; Albuquerque has some good restaurants also; "La Placita" is the last place I recall us visiting; haven't had a good chile relleno in a long time.August is a beautiful time to visit CO and NM. In northern NM be sure to drive the enchanted circle. As you come south on I-25, about 3 hours from Colorado Springs, you will see the highway exit to the west to Cimarron, NM. That starts the enchanted circle and goes to Red River also. Visit Red River, Eagles Nest, and Taos. Search for the enchanted circle and you’ll find maps of the route. Also plan a day to ride the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad. This is the best and longest scenic railway in the Rocky Mountains and the August scenery will be stunning. Because of the direction you’re coming from, I recommend taking the trip from Antonito, CO to Chama, NM and back to Antonito (return trip is by bus). It a full day from 10-5, but truly is some of the best scenery in the region and well worth the price which includes a hot lunch. If you have time, go to Santa Fe (about 2 hours from Antonito) and visit the old plaza and see the state museum (exhibits from the 1500s colonial days up to the current space age). And while you’re here, be sure to eat plenty of the local dishes with red and green chile. Contact me if you want more specific information. Also, unless you plan to visit Denver, consider flying in and out of Colorado Springs. No need to fight the Denver traffic if you’re not planning to visit there.
Cumbres and Toltec Railroad | Colorado and New Mexico
Journey through stunning landscapes aboard the Cumbres and Toltec Scenic Railroad, America's most historic and scenic steam-powered train ride.cumbrestoltec.com
Home
www.nmhistorymuseum.org
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Sigarms
Super Member
Thank you, that train ride was one of the highlights of our trip. Best train trip ever.
I did find it confusing though staying in NM and having to drive to Colorado to start the train ride because it would be shorter than driving to New Mexico starting the trip. But the lady at the railroad explained the same thing to me LOL
It was literally a full day trip with the bus drive back, but the scenery was as described.
Those locomotives are some pieces of equipment
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