Storms reach Salida over Monarch Pass, and by the time the valley wakes the snow has had all night to settle across the lots along Highway 50. A&A Summit Cleaning Services, LLC works the hour before light, when the air is thin enough to ring and the blade throws a white curl into the dark. Snow work here is plain and its reward is plain too — a lot laid open end to end, an entry swept down to bare concrete, a drive somebody backs out of without a second thought. The high valley gets its sun back quickly, but the first shift belongs to whoever shows up while it is still black outside. They clear driveways, lots and walkways around Salida and the towns strung along the highway.