Situational Awareness
Ground Event / Encounter Other / Unknown; Ground Excursion Taxiway
General None Reported / Taken
Weather; Airport
Every winter numerous aircraft depart runways or taxiways that are contaminated with snow/slush/ice. Our Company had a similar event in the past. I believe there is a significant safety hazard at DEN at the junction of D5 and WB. There is a very steep drop off at the end of D5. Should such an event occur while taxiing and turning east bound onto WB from D5 it would lead to significant aircraft damage and bodily injury.I believe the use of D5 should be prohibited if contaminated with any snow/slush or if there are any reports of braking action less than good.
The reporter expressed concern that during winter months with icy taxiways an aircraft transitioning from DEN Taxiway D5 to Taxiway WB may be in danger of a taxiway excursion on the south side of that intersection and risk serious damage or injury because of a forty foot drop off.