SOS in CO

D

Drummermonkey

New member
Putting out feelers:
I've got a friend who's car was snowed in by an unexpected storm while camping off the Poudre canyon last weekend. When they left the car there was about 2 feet of snow on the ground, though it's warmed up since. They plan to try again to retrieve their car this weekend.
I recommended to them bringing as many trucks with winches as possible, though I'm not sure the strategy they're planning as of now. Is there anyone who would be up for helping with this recovery effort? We're talking unmaintained forest service road covered in snow.
Again, I don't know if these people will be looking for the hands yet, just trying to help as I can.
 
Register to hide this ad
Where's he at specifically? Depending on the altitude, if he's below 8000 feet this early in the year I'd just wait. Chances are in a week or so it will all be melted out and he can drive out with no drama at all.

Otherwise Colorado 4x4 R&R is a good alternative.
 
Thanks for the info all. I'm not sure where exactly the vehicle is, but as I understand the forest service center has since closed the road for the year. The owner of the cabin which they were in has access to the gate, and they still intend to try and recover. The car in question is a passenger car(Subaru?) Which complicates recovery. They've got a pickup which they used to try and pull the car through the first time around. I'll forward the info on the 4x4 recovery company. Still standing by.
 
Dang. Wish i had my 4runner with me to loan for help. Ive got two hands though and i shovel well. I am in denver for another week. If theyre over 11000feet today is your last chance with sno moving in tonight. Good luck, be safe.

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
 
I have a tow strap and my lifted 4runner and am currently going to school in fort collins, however my 4wd is currently not engaging but I would be happy to try and help as long as I don't get stuck also.
 
Update:
Co 4x4 R&R has declined to try and recover the stuck vehicle due apparently to risk. With a storm coming through this weekend we are hoping a few stars align. There is currently 3 ft of snow at the car. At the last attempt they managed to get the car a little closer to main road, but it is not yet out. With high winds expected this weekend there's a chance the road might be cleared of snow enough to recover. It may also drift onto the road, so fingers crossed.
Worst case scenario they leave it, tow it out next June, and try to salvage hoping nothing is completely ruined.
I will again extend the offer to help recover and may include some of you who have offered. I'll PM as needed.
Thanks for the guidance in all of this folks.
 
Drummermonkey said:
Update:
Co 4x4 R&R has declined to try and recover the stuck vehicle due apparently to risk. With a storm coming through this weekend we are hoping a few stars align. There is currently 3 ft of snow at the car. At the last attempt they managed to get the car a little closer to main road, but it is not yet out. With high winds expected this weekend there's a chance the road might be cleared of snow enough to recover. It may also drift onto the road, so fingers crossed.
Worst case scenario they leave it, tow it out next June, and try to salvage hoping nothing is completely ruined.
I will again extend the offer to help recover and may include some of you who have offered. I'll PM as needed.
Thanks for the guidance in all of this folks.
Click to expand...

:worthless

Really though.... Wish you the best. At least the people got out. That's the main thing.
 
Drummermonkey said:
Update:
Co 4x4 R&R has declined to try and recover the stuck vehicle due apparently to risk. With a storm coming through this weekend we are hoping a few stars align. There is currently 3 ft of snow at the car. At the last attempt they managed to get the car a little closer to main road, but it is not yet out. With high winds expected this weekend there's a chance the road might be cleared of snow enough to recover. It may also drift onto the road, so fingers crossed.
Worst case scenario they leave it, tow it out next June, and try to salvage hoping nothing is completely ruined.
I will again extend the offer to help recover and may include some of you who have offered. I'll PM as needed.
Thanks for the guidance in all of this folks.
Click to expand...

If CO 4x4 thinks there is too much risk I would error on their side and wait. Those dudes look like they know a thing or two. It is supposed to be in the 60's this week, maybe the snow will melt enough to get it out this coming weekend.
 
Since we still don't have a hint of where it is, it's a little hard to recommend anything specific. However, you might consider going up there with a 4wd pickup with a plow blade and making a path out. This early in the year the snow won't be all that packed yet, and it might be possible to plow out a path reasonably easily. Generally, moving the snow out of the way is easier than dragging a vehicle through it. Any idea how many miles in it is?

If he has to leave the vehicle, make sure it's winterized. Antifreeze to -40deg, remove the battery, pour some HEET into the gas tank.

The chances are pretty good that, by spring, the squirrels and other rodents will have destroyed the wiring harness by gnawing on the soybean-based insulation. That's a real problem with late model Japanese vehicles, and very expensive to fix. I'd get it out if at all possible. Worst case, he'd probably be money ahead hiring someone with a front end loader to retrieve it vs leaving it to the elements and critters.
 
Last edited:
I'm not sure exactly which road the vehicle is on, but I know it's about 2 miles off HWY 14 and they say around 9000 ft elevation. Unfortunately, as the road is officially closed, no business entity is willing to take a loader or plow up. The snow is deep enough that the little atv plow we have has proven ineffective, and I doubt that the small tractor we have will fair much better. I'm fairly confident that the car can be retrieved with a few trucks if we can still get to it. At that elevation, the snow is not going away and will only get worse, so this weekend is likely the last chance.
 
mountain mike said:
If CO 4x4 thinks there is too much risk I would error on their side and wait. Those dudes look like they know a thing or two. It is supposed to be in the 60's this week, maybe the snow will melt enough to get it out this coming weekend.
Click to expand...

Not necessarily, it's pretty obvious to me that an attempt to retrieve the vehicle would provide more answers than just declining before assessing the area/situation.

Drummermonkey, I've sent a PM. I'm available this weekend if I can find another rig or two to come out with me.

:hungry:
 
Update:
The car has been recovered. A pair of trucks and winches dragged the car out safely this weekend. They had to winch themselves the entire 2 miles up the mountain due to drifted snow and ice, followed by driving down with the car strapped in the middle of both of the trucks. The only damage incurred was $1500 for the recovery which is not covered under insurance due to lack of damage to the car (bs).
Thanks to all who offered to help, you guys are awesome. I'm happy to believe that you all would have my back if I needed it.
 
Drummermonkey said:
Update:
The car has been recovered. A pair of trucks and winches dragged the car out safely this weekend. They had to winch themselves the entire 2 miles up the mountain due to drifted snow and ice, followed by driving down with the car strapped in the middle of both of the trucks. The only damage incurred was $1500 for the recovery which is not covered under insurance due to lack of damage to the car (bs).
Thanks to all who offered to help, you guys are awesome. I'm happy to believe that you all would have my back if I needed it.
Click to expand...

Out of curiosity was this it? https://www.facebook.com/CO4x4RnR/posts/1800130540286323
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Members online

Total: 292 (members: 3, guests: 289)

Forum statistics

Threads
278,309
Messages
3,554,063
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Share this page

Trending content

Back
Top