Denver, CO – Travel across Colorado’s high mountain passes could slow to a crawl by 2 a.m. Tuesday as wind gusts up to 70 mph whip snow across Interstate 70 and surrounding peaks.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. Tuesday until 11 p.m. Wednesday for elevations above 9,000 feet, including Summit County, Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel corridor. Snow totals will range from 3 to 10 inches, with isolated totals up to 12 inches in the Mosquito Range and Indian Peaks. Strong winds over exposed passes will create blowing snow and visibility as low as a quarter mile.
Drivers along I-70 near Breckenridge, through the Eisenhower Tunnel and over Vail-area approaches could encounter sudden snow squalls that quickly cover pavement and reduce visibility. U.S. 40 over Berthoud Pass and Colorado Highway 14 near Cameron Pass may also turn snow-packed during heavier bursts Tuesday morning and again Wednesday.
CDOT warns that traction laws and brief closures are possible if conditions deteriorate. Motorists should allow extra travel time, carry winter emergency supplies and check cotrip.org or call 511 before heading into the mountains.
Snow and strong winds will persist through Wednesday evening, with impacts likely during both the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
