Colorado is the 4th snowiest state in the US, beaten only by a few states in the Northeast – New Hampshire, Maine, and the snowiest state, Vermont. Although many people believe that the entire state of Colorado is one big winter wonderland, the truth is that snowfall totals vary greatly depending on the area.
While many ski resorts and mountain areas regularly receive anywhere from 150-400 inches of snow, the Denver metro area experiences relatively mild winters – only about 57 inches on average. We have had several exceptionally dry winters in recent years as well, with 2016-2017 and 2017-2018 being two of the driest winters in Denver on record.
Although Denver has been going through a bit of a dry spell recently, the 2020-2021 snow season shows us that the next big snowstorm can always be on the horizon.
Here are some key reasons why you need to stay prepared for winter weather, even during mild Colorado winters.
Why Winter Prep Is Vital – Even During Mild Winters
Be Proactive – Mild Winters Can Still Create Hazardous Conditions
Colorado is lucky in the fact that, even in the winter, if the sun is out it usually feels nice and (relatively) warm. Although things usually warm up during the day, it’s important to be prepared for icy conditions in the early morning and evening. Lower temperatures can leave a thin sheet of ice or frost on the ground, making it easy for someone to slip. Preemptively laying ice melt products can keep surfaces from freezing overnight and creating injury risks.
Have a Winter Plan – Winter Storms Can Appear Out of Nowhere
The Denver metro area is no stranger to powerful snowstorms that can roll in on short notice. It’s fairly common here for it to be 60 degrees one day, and to get a few inches of snow the next day! The most recent blizzard we had – March 13th and 14th, 2021 – is a perfect example of this. The week before the storm saw near-record temperatures in the 60s and 70s – then in the span of just 2 days, we had our 4th largest snowstorm on record (27 inches)! Staying prepared means you’ll never be caught off-guard when winter weather pops up suddenly. Have a winter plan and risk management strategy for the season, including snow hauling, for these larger unexpected accumulations if needed.
Be Prepared – Unexpected Snow Storms Can Lead to Panic Buying
Because winter weather has a tendency to show up quickly, it can cause some property owners to panic when they realize they’re out of ice melt or clearing equipment. Warm or mild winters can lead to complacency in whether it will be needed. Staying well stocked on the snow removal essentials at all times (shovels, ice melt, gloves, etc.) means you won’t have to rush to get something covered at the last minute. Make sure to stay prepared and have a plan for those unexpected storms that can sneak up, avoid the stress and panic.
Protect Your Visitors – Not Clearing Your Property Quickly Can Impact Business
Snow and ice don’t just create liability risks for your business – they can also scare off customers. If your property isn’t cleared quickly or properly, customers are less likely to visit. No one wants to trudge through a parking lot with 2 feet of unplowed snow sitting on it. Walkways, stairs/ramps, and building entrances also need to be clear and safe to use. Using professional snow removal, de-icing, and snow hauling services will ensure that your property is cleared quickly so that your business stays open.
Stay Prepared for Winter Weather – Mild or Harsh – with Snow Management Services
Taking a proactive approach to safety is the best way to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. With Snow Management Services, our winter planning & risk management will ensure that your property is prepared for even the worst winters – way before the snow starts. We also offer the full range of snow removal and de-icing services, including sidewalk management and off-site snow hauling. To see how SMS can keep your Denver commercial property prepared for whatever winters throw at you, give us a call today at (303) 750-8867 or get in touch with us online to get started.