Snow on Cumbres

As I watch the news and see the reports of the snowmobilers lost on Cumbres, the road being closed and searchers being unable to make it up the pass, I reflect that Cumbres' reputation for winter snow continues. If this had been 50 or more years ago, instead of snowmobilers, we might have a train or locomotive stranded on the pass. The D&RGW crews in Alamosa would be steaming up Rotary OY and assembling a snow plow train to head out for Cumbres. In fact at this point in the storm, it probably would already be working on the pass. The scene might be repeated in Chama where Rotary OM and its train would be prepped to head up Cumbres from the west end. Although the D&RGW crews no longer battle the elements on Cumbres, it is obvious that the weather patterns have not changed.