Why does snow stop trains

Very cold weather can cause a derailment — when a train comes off the tracks. Specifically, freeze thaw can lead to this problem. This is when a very wet autumn is followed by a sharp drop in temperature, which can freeze the rain in the ballast the stone bed that supports the tracks and move the track when it thaws.

Other potential issues with track include frozen ballast, which prevent us from using tamping machines to realign rails and ensure a smooth level along the rail. Read more about how we respond to winter weather. Find out more about our seasonal track treatment and weather support fleet.

Five things you didn't know about our winter fleet. Can trains run in high winds? October 15, Will trains become obsolete? Do trains run when it is raining? What does a train conductor do? So we do everything we can to prevent delays by preparing effectively to get you around safely this winter. To help keep passengers moving we operate a special winter fleet, complete with snowploughs, hot air blowers, steam jets, brushes, scrapers and anti-freeze to clear snow and ice from the tracks.

We use technology, such as visual and thermal imaging from our helicopter and drones, to help us identify issues before they become a problem and respond as fast as possible. Can the SWC go through inches of snow? Does it have to wait until tracks are cleared? Then started thinking would it be fun or a nightmare of delays? Ryan Engineer.

Joined Apr 14, Messages 17, Location Off looking for his sense of humor. Trains are really heavy and do quite well in the snow. Train stopping snow is generally measured in feet, not inches. PRR 60 Engineer Staff member. Joined Feb 18, Messages 8, Casinocim said:. Last edited by a moderator: Dec 19, It's rare to have a passenger train completely stranded by snow but it does happen occasionally.

Although these days it's probable that the dispatchers would simply hold the train short instead of sending it along like they may have done in the old days.

Anderson Engineer. Joined Nov 16, Messages 9, Location Virginia. So it can slow things down, but I think that has more to do with all of the trains getting slowed and slotting getting shot to hell than it does actual operational trouble.

I've actually sorta wanted to ride in an Acela during a decent snow, just for what I suspect would be an impressive show.

Thanks for the info everyone! Mackensen Lead Service Attendant. Extreme cold can be a problem too. Ispolkom Engineer. Joined Nov 27, Messages 3, Location St. Paul, Minn. Paul on a night where a three-day blizzard had closed the interstates across the entire state, closed the Minot airport to any travel, led the state highway patrol to recommend no travel anywhere in the state and forced me to walk to the depot, since there was no getting a car through the foot snowdrifts across the streets.