Durango, CO – A winter storm will bring accumulating snow to the Southwest San Juan Mountains beginning late tonight and continuing through Thursday evening, with travel impacts likely across multiple high-elevation corridors.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 PM Wednesday to 11 PM Thursday, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected. Higher mountain peaks may see locally heavier totals as moisture spreads across the region overnight.
The advisory covers areas including Silverton, Rico, Hesperus, Coal Bank Pass, and Molas Pass—locations that frequently experience hazardous travel during early-season snowstorms. Forecasters say snowfall rates may increase after midnight, creating slick road conditions by early Thursday morning.
According to the NWS, the Thursday morning and evening commutes could be significantly impacted as fresh snow and cold temperatures combine to create lower visibility and icy stretches. Drivers traveling US 550 or nearby mountain routes should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions.
Winds are not expected to be particularly strong with this system, but steady light-to-moderate snow through much of Thursday will keep roads snow-packed in higher elevations. Snow is expected to taper late Thursday evening as the system moves east.
Travelers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and check updated road conditions via Colorado 511 before heading out. Extra caution is recommended for those commuting through the mountain passes or traveling between communities on the western slope.
