While Rio Grande spreader AX-41 waits on the main line at Pinecliffe, Colorado, on March 21, 2003, a Union Pacific front-end loader clears snow on the siding on both sides of the Highway 72 grade crossing. A coal train was cut for the crossing here during the storm, and its the easiest way remove the snow. Power for the spreader train was Rio Grande GP40-2 No. 3100 and UP GP60 No. 1900 (former Rio Grande 3154). In this March 17-20 storm, Denver received 31.8 inches of snow, while Coal Creek Canyon got 71.8 inches and Rollinsville 87.5. With Pinecliffe located between the two, it received a 6 to 7 feet of heavy, wet snow, bringing out the spreader and other snow-fighting equipment.
