Snow Daze
Cloudcroft gets dumped on
Cloudcroft has recently experienced substantial snowfall, causing disruptions and bringing some benefits to the area.
Over the past week, the Ski Cloudcroft area reached a 30” snowpack, which is 103% of normal. The surface terrain was packed powder and had a Powder Score of 83%.
The heavy snowfall led to the closure of U.S. Highway 82, a critical route for the community, causing disruptions in daily life and impacting local businesses, who have reported increased cancellations and the community experiencing a temporary shortage of supplies.
However, the snowfall also brought some benefits. The Cloudcroft Ski Area saw a surge in visitors, providing a slight economic uplift for local winter sports and tourism businesses.
Despite the challenges, the community demonstrated remarkable resilience. Neighbors ensured vulnerable community members had the necessary supplies and warmth, while community centers offered additional support. Road-clearing efforts were promptly initiated, with crews working to repair damages caused by the storm.
In response to these events, Cloudcroft is considering measures to improve its preparedness for similar situations in the future. These include enhancing weather forecasting, bolstering road maintenance efforts, and strengthening community support systems.
This event underscores the importance of preparedness and unity in facing natural challenges and highlights Cloudcroft’s capacity to navigate and adapt to adverse weather conditions together.