UPDATE: A significant winter storm is set to impact Western Colorado, starting tonight at 11 PM and lasting until 5 AM Thursday. Travelers should prepare for dangerous conditions as heavy mountain snow and high winds will disrupt travel across the region.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for areas including the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre Plateau, and the San Juan Mountains, where snow accumulation of 10 to 18 inches is expected. Wind gusts could reach as high as 60-70 mph, resulting in near-zero visibility at times. This weather event poses serious risks for those planning to travel between the Western Slope and the Front Range, as well as toward Metro Salt Lake City.
“Travel through the mountains could be difficult to impossible,” officials warn.
In addition to the Winter Storm Warning, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 PM Monday until 5 AM Tuesday for the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus in northwestern Colorado and the La Sal Mountains in eastern Utah, expecting snowfall of 4-10 inches and wind gusts up to 60 mph.
A Wind Advisory will also impact many areas in Southwest and Northwest Colorado from 5 AM Tuesday until 5 PM Tuesday, with gusts potentially reaching 50 mph in locations like Rangeley, Craig, and Durango. Wind gusts will start increasing after 10 PM Monday, affecting areas including Grand Junction and Montrose.
The storm will bring rain and snow in multiple waves. A quick bout of valley rain and mountain snow is anticipated between midnight Monday night and 6 AM Tuesday. As the day progresses, expect more on-and-off precipitation. The heaviest snowfall is projected to occur between 2 AM and 6 AM Wednesday, with additional snow likely on Thursday and Friday.
Snowfall totals could reach 1-2 feet in higher elevations like the Grand Mesa and the Elk Mountains, with localized amounts near Wolf Creek Pass potentially exceeding 3 feet. Areas along and north of I-70 will likely see 5-10 inches by midday Wednesday.
Residents and travelers are urged to stay updated and exercise caution as conditions could rapidly deteriorate. The Colorado Department of Transportation advises checking road conditions before traveling and considering postponing trips if possible.
As the storm unfolds, watch for further updates from local authorities and weather services. Prepare for delays and hazardous conditions throughout the week as this winter weather system impacts travel across the region.
