South Park doesn't get as much snow as Summit County to the north, but we often get strong winds which can blow snow around and create what is called a "ground blizzard", causing whiteout conditions. Wind gusts up to 50 mph are not uncommon, although 20-30 mph gusts are more likely.
US Hwy 285, which connects Denver with Santa Fe, runs through South Park, and is often closed when these conditions exist. Blowing snow can not only make it difficult or impossible to see what is ahead; it can also cause drifting on the highway and very icy conditions. When this happens, semi-trailers, cars and other trucks can be blown over or slide into other vehicles.
Variable warning signs are changed to indicate the closure, and gates are lowered at Kenosha Pass (east) and Fairplay (west).
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