Clearing for takeoff: How airport crews manage winter weather

Korzep said his crews work with the National Weather Service to know what's coming next. Between that communication and the available Doppler technology, they can almost pinpoint when any weather will hit.

Technology has also been a huge help with managing passengers in weather situations. After the closure due to the freezing rain was compounded with hotels full from the Outdoor Retailer convention, Sundance and other events, Korzep said airport officials planned for as many as 600 to 800 passengers spending the night at the "airport hotel."

Ultimately, only about 100 stayed the night, and they had inflatable cots and pillows, as needed. In case of future weather events, Korzep advised passengers to take advantage of the online resources offered by airlines.

"Check with your airline before you leave your house," he said. "There's so many resources online now. Airlines have figured out that it's not good to have a whole concourse full of people waiting when we're doing snow removal ops or there is a fog event or ice. The airlines are catching on with technology, so just hang at your hotel or at your home a little while until it's safe."

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