Steamboat Springs, Colorado – Mountain travel across western Colorado and eastern Utah could turn hazardous by late Monday night as snow and wind gusts up to 60 mph reduce visibility to near zero at times.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 11 p.m. Monday through 5 a.m. Thursday for the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Upper Yampa River Basin, San Juan River Basin above 7,000 feet, the Eastern Uinta Mountains and the La Sal and Abajo Mountains above 8,000 feet. Snow totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected in many areas, with 5 to 10 inches possible in the Uintas and higher terrain. Winds could gust between 40 and 60 mph, especially on exposed ridges.
Communities including Steamboat Springs, Pagosa Springs, Rio Blanco, Manila and Monticello will see impacts, particularly along high-elevation highways and passes. Blowing snow may rapidly reduce visibility, creating dangerous conditions for the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
Drivers should check Colorado and Utah 511 road reports before departure and prepare for winter driving conditions. Strong winds may also bring down tree limbs and create scattered power issues. Advisories remain in effect through early Thursday, and additional updates are possible if snowfall intensifies.
