Pueblo, Colorado – Travel across Colorado’s highest mountain passes could become impossible within hours as 70 mph wind gusts and up to 24 inches of snow begin hammering the peaks late Monday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Storm Warning takes effect at 11 p.m. Monday for the Eastern Sawatch Mountains above 11,000 feet and the Eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet, continuing through 11 p.m. Wednesday. Forecasters expect 8 to 14 inches of snow in most areas, with localized totals reaching 24 inches in the Eastern San Juans.
Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass face the greatest risk for whiteout conditions as powerful winds whip falling snow into blinding drifts. Gusts up to 70 mph will create widespread blowing snow, sharply reducing visibility and rapidly covering treated roadways. High-elevation routes near Bonanza and along exposed ridgelines could see closures with little notice.
The combination of deep snow and extreme wind may also snap tree limbs and trigger scattered power outages in remote mountain communities.
Officials urge travelers to avoid high-elevation routes through Wednesday night. If travel is unavoidable, carry emergency supplies and check Colorado road conditions by calling 511. Additional restrictions or closures may be issued as snowfall intensifies Tuesday.
