Grand Junction, Colorado – Mountain travel across western Colorado is turning treacherous this morning as heavy snow and wind gusts up to 65 mph create near whiteout conditions over several major passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau above 7,000 feet, the San Juan Mountains, and the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus. Additional snowfall of 5 to 12 inches is expected in most ranges, with 4 to 10 inches in the San Juans and wind gusts between 45 and 65 mph.
I-70 over Vail Pass, U.S. 550 over Red Mountain Pass, and stretches near Monarch Pass and Lizard Head Pass are seeing blowing snow that sharply reduces visibility. In Aspen, Snowmass and Telluride, heavy snow is covering roadways and increasing avalanche concerns in the backcountry. Near Ridgway and the Dallas Divide, strong crosswinds are drifting snow back across cleared highways.
Travel could become impossible at times, especially above 7,000 feet. Drivers should delay trips if possible and carry extra food, water, flashlights and warm clothing. Check Colorado road conditions by calling 511 before departing.
Snow and strong winds will persist through tonight, with the most severe impacts continuing over high passes into the early Thursday commute. Additional closures remain possible until conditions improve after daybreak.
