Pueblo, Colorado – Snow will continue to affect Colorado’s high country on New Year’s Day, creating periodic travel hazards along the Continental Divide and nearby mountain passes through Friday. While lower elevations remain largely dry, drivers heading into the mountains should prepare for winter driving conditions.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, light to occasionally moderate snow will persist today through Friday along the Continental Divide. Snowfall totals are expected to range from 4 to 7 inches overall, with locally higher amounts possible across portions of the Central Mountains and the San Juan Mountains. These higher totals may develop where snow bands linger longest.
The primary impacts will be felt over mountain passes and higher elevations, including routes near Monarch Pass, Wolf Creek Pass, and stretches of U.S. 50 and U.S. 160. Snow-covered roads and slick conditions are likely during heavier bursts, especially during overnight and early morning hours. Visibility may also drop quickly at times, creating challenging driving conditions.
Pueblo, Colorado Springs, and the I-25 corridor are expected to see little to no snow, though cooler temperatures will settle in behind the system. Travelers leaving the plains for holiday trips into the mountains should allow extra time, check road conditions, and carry winter safety supplies.
Snowfall intensity is expected to remain generally light, but even modest accumulations can cause issues on untreated roads and steep grades. CDOT crews will be monitoring conditions, though changing weather may lead to brief slowdowns or chain requirements in higher terrain.
Snow gradually tapers late Friday as the system exits, though slick spots may linger into early Saturday morning. No significant warming is expected immediately after the snow ends.
Winter travel impacts remain the main concern through the end of the workweek. Additional advisories could be issued if snowfall totals trend higher or if road conditions deteriorate more than expected.
