Pueblo, Colorado – Heavy snow and 60 mph wind gusts will make high mountain travel dangerous to nearly impossible across central and southern Colorado through 11 p.m. Wednesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. MST for the Western Mosquito Range, Lake County, western Chaffee County, La Garita Mountains and the Upper Rio Grande Valley. An additional 4 to 12 inches of snow is expected, with locally higher totals along the crest of the Sawatch Range. Winds may gust as high as 60 mph, creating widespread blowing snow.
Leadville, Climax and Granite could see significant accumulation, while Creede, South Fork and areas near North Pass face periods of heavy snowfall through the day. U.S. 24 near Leadville, U.S. 160 over Wolf Creek Pass and Colorado Highway 149 may become snow-packed with near-zero visibility at times.
Strong winds could snap tree limbs and cause isolated power outages, especially in exposed mountain communities. Drivers should delay nonessential travel and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading out.
Another round of steady snowfall will continue through Wednesday evening before tapering late tonight. Additional advisories remain possible if bands intensify over the higher peaks.
