By Shannon Lukens.
The snow is so deep and high that it is burying electrical equipment and powerlines. Yampa Valley Electric asks that you try not to pile snow under powerlines. Anything within ten feet of an electrical line can be deadly, and this includes snowplow drivers getting too close. Plus kids like to play in snowbanks that could be under electrical wires. Those wires might be sagging under heavy snow.
YVEA asks that snowmobilers are aware, especially up on Buffalo Pass. Power lines, transformer boxes, and electrical equipment could be hidden in the snow. If you see a downed power line, stay away from it and call 911 to report it. YVEA crews will be on their way.
Please see the following from Yampa Valley Electric Association; Jan. 31, 2023.
Snowbanks and Powerlines Don’t Mix!
This has been quite the winter already, with snow totals piling up that we haven’t seen in nearly a decade. And it is only January! With all of this snow, we know it can be challenging to know where to store, push, or shovel the snow. We ask members to be mindful of piling snow under power lines – you may not even realize how dangerous it can be. Below are a few things to keep in mind:
- -Snowbanks touching or within 10 feet of an electrical line can be deadly
- -Who loves snowbanks? Kids do! Keep your kids safe by ensuring the snowbanks they are playing on are not under electrical wires that could cause bodily harm or death.
- -When lines are loaded with snow, they can sag lower. So, a line that may have been well above your snowbank may now be within that 10-foot safety zone.
- -Even if a line isn’t directly touched, an electrical current can occur and cause serious injury or death.
- -If you are a snowplow driver, your equipment must be at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. For example, suppose you push a snowbank into a powerline or underground transformer. Depending on the water content in the snow, you could energize your vehicle and cause serious harm to yourself.
Please be safe out there while enjoying the snow!
Here’s more from YVEA regarding snowmobiles and powerlines; Jan. 31, 2023
Look Up and Live: Be Aware of Powerlines While Riding
Contact: Member Services (970) 879-1160
January 26, 2023: As the snow piles up, riders should be aware that the distance between the snowpack and powerlines is decreasing. Heavy snow and drifting can bury electrical equipment, causing dangerous situations for snowmobilers. Here are a few tips to keep riders safe:
• Know where you go. The map below shows the powerline that runs up Buffalo Pass. In and around this line, riders need to be aware of powerlines and avoid contact with equipment.
• Watch out for power poles, guy wires, and electrical equipment that can be hidden in the snow. Heavy snowfalls can often bury transformer boxes and cabinets.
• Slow down, know the area where you are snowmobiling.
• If you see a downed power line, STAY AWAY from it and call 911 to report it. There is no way to tell if a powerline is energized just by looking at it. Always assume it is live and can carry currents strong enough to kill.
• Always wait for YVEA crews to arrive before you approach an accident scene where a power line may be involved.
• Share this important information with family, friends, and anyone you know who rides a snowmobile
For more information, please visit www.yvea.com
