Grand Junction, CO – Mountain travel across western Colorado will remain extremely dangerous through early Thursday as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 70 mph slam high elevations and major passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, Grand and Battlement Mesas, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau above 7,000 feet, Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, and both the Northwest and Southwest San Juan Mountains.
Snow totals between 10 and 20 inches are expected across much of the region, with locally higher amounts possible. The Uncompahgre Plateau could see 6 to 17 inches above 7,000 feet, while the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus may receive 8 to 15 inches. Winds will gust between 60 and 70 mph, creating widespread blowing snow and near zero visibility at times.
High-impact corridors include Vail Pass on I-70, Monarch Pass, Red Mountain Pass, Lizard Head Pass, Molas Pass and U.S. 550 near Silverton and Ouray. Snow-covered roads and drifting could make travel difficult to impossible, especially during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes.
Officials urge travelers to delay trips into the mountains and check 511 for updated road conditions. Warnings remain in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday, with additional advisories possible as bands of heavier snow redevelop.
