Light Snow Fell in Trinidad Area, Causing Slick Road Conditions
A winter weather advisory on December 3 brought up to three inches of snow to the Trinidad vicinity and western Las Animas County below 7,500 feet, creating slick roads and icy walkways through the early hours of December 4. The brief storm disrupted the Wednesday evening commute and prompted officials to urge residents to slow down, leave extra stopping distance, and check 511 and COtrip before travel.
A short December storm left measurable snow across the Trinidad area on December 3, with additional accumulations of up to three inches reported in parts of western Las Animas County below 7,500 feet. The advisory remained in effect through 2:00 AM MST on Thursday December 4 and warned that bridges and overpasses could become slick and hazardous.
Motorists experienced slippery driving conditions during the Wednesday evening commute as temperatures fell and untreated surfaces cooled. The advisory advised drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and plan for difficult travel conditions. Pedestrians were also reminded to watch for icy sidewalks and steps as melt and refreeze created hazards around homes, businesses, and public buildings.
Local transportation impacts were concentrated on regional connectors and elevated road segments that are prone to early icing. County road crews and state highway maintenance crews typically respond to these events by applying deicing materials and clearing priority routes, which can strain equipment and labor resources during successive winter storms. For residents, the immediate economic effect tends to be concentrated on delayed commutes, reduced foot traffic for downtown businesses the following day, and possible disruptions to scheduled deliveries and services.
Public safety guidance emphasized checking road conditions before travel by calling 511 or using COtrip, and leaving additional time for trips until surfaces cleared. The advisory formed part of a broader winter weather message covering Trinidad and surrounding communities in western Las Animas County. By midday December 4 most local road reports showed improving conditions as temperatures rose and crews treated the pavement, but surface ice remained possible in shaded areas and on untreated sidewalks.
As winter progresses, even modest snow events like this one can have outsized effects on small rural counties where road networks and municipal budgets are tighter than in urban areas. Residents are advised to monitor conditions, keep emergency kits in vehicles, and plan for slower travel when temperatures approach freezing.
