Denver, Colorado – Mountain travel across northern Colorado will turn dangerous between 5 a.m. and 8 a.m. Tuesday as a burst of heavy snow and 60 mph wind gusts drop visibility below a quarter mile and quickly cover roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday for Jackson County, Grand and Summit counties below 9,000 feet, and higher elevations including Rocky Mountain National Park, the Mosquito Range and Indian Peaks. Valleys could receive 4 to 9 inches of snow, with localized totals up to 12 inches. Mountain areas may see 6 to 12 inches, with isolated amounts up to 18 inches. Winds over passes such as Berthoud Pass and near the Eisenhower Tunnel could gust to 60 mph.
Sudden snow squalls may create rapid whiteout conditions along Interstate 70, U.S. 40 and U.S. 34. Traction laws and temporary closures are possible.
Drivers should delay travel during peak snowfall, carry winter survival gear and check cotrip.org for closures and chain requirements. Hazardous conditions will persist through Wednesday evening as additional snow bands move across the high country.
