Aspen, Colorado – Mountain travel across central and western Colorado could become difficult by the Wednesday morning commute as steady snowfall begins piling up on high-elevation roads, including Vail Pass and Monarch Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 6 a.m. Wednesday through noon Thursday for the Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. Snow accumulations of 6 to 10 inches are expected, with locally higher totals possible in favored terrain.
Snow will spread into mountain valleys early Wednesday, affecting travel in and around Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Minturn, Crested Butte, Marble, and Taylor Park. Pass-level routes such as Vail Pass, Monarch Pass, and McClure Pass are expected to see periods of reduced visibility and snow-covered pavement, particularly during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
Colorado Department of Transportation crews are expected to work throughout the event, but drivers should plan for slower travel times, allow extra stopping distance, and avoid unnecessary trips during heavier snow bursts. Vehicles crossing higher elevations should be equipped with winter tires or traction devices.
Snow tapers late Thursday morning, though slick roads may linger into the afternoon. Additional advisories could be issued if snowfall totals trend higher or linger longer than expected.
