Grand Junction, Colorado – Snow-packed highways and wind gusts up to 45 mph are creating hazardous travel across western Colorado, with several mountain passes at risk of becoming nearly impassable before 11 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through 11 p.m. MST for much of the region, including the Central Colorado River Basin, the I-70 corridor from De Beque to Silt, the San Juan Mountains and higher elevations above 9,000 feet.
The heaviest snowfall is expected in the Southwest San Juan Mountains, where 6 to 12 inches could accumulate near Silverton, Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass. Gusts up to 45 mph may knock down tree branches and create blowing snow that sharply reduces visibility. Monarch Pass, McClure Pass and roads near Crested Butte could see 6 to 10 inches, while the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus may pick up 4 to 8 inches with 35 mph gusts.
Lower elevations along I-70 through Glenwood Springs, Rifle and Eagle are expected to see up to 2 inches, enough to slick bridges and overpasses during the evening commute.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra stopping distance and check CDOT road conditions by calling 511 before heading into mountain terrain. Advisories expire at 11 p.m., but lingering slick spots could persist overnight.
