Grand Junction, Colorado – Significant mountain snowfall and wind gusts up to 70 mph will create hazardous travel across western Colorado through Wednesday, especially along high-elevation corridors.
According to the US National Weather Service in Grand Junction, several rounds of snow are expected through Wednesday night, with widespread totals of 8 to 16 inches in most mountain ranges. Localized amounts between 24 and 30 inches are possible in higher terrain, including areas near Aspen and the Elk Mountains.
Strong winds will accompany the snowfall, with gusts between 35 and 50 mph in many valleys and 50 to 70 mph across exposed mountain ridges and passes. Blowing and drifting snow may reduce visibility to near zero at times, particularly along Interstate 70 through Glenwood Canyon and Vail Pass, as well as US Highway 50 near Monarch Pass and Colorado Highway 82 near Aspen.
Lower elevations may see a mix of rain and snow before transitioning to all snow by Wednesday, potentially creating slick conditions in communities including Montrose and Grand Junction.
Forecasters said travel may become difficult to dangerous at times, especially through mountain corridors where drifting snow could quickly cover roadways.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Thursday, though another round of snow is possible Friday.
Drivers, including commercial carriers and ski traffic, are urged to monitor road conditions and prepare for rapidly changing weather through midweek.
