Grand Junction, Colorado – Snow-packed roads and wind gusts up to 45 mph are creating dangerous travel conditions across western Colorado’s mountains, with 6 to 12 inches of accumulation expected before 11 p.m. MST. High-elevation routes, including major passes, could become nearly impassable before the evening commute ends.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect through 11 p.m. MST for much of western Colorado and parts of eastern Utah. The heaviest snow is falling across the Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, where totals may reach a foot. Winds could gust to 45 mph, reducing visibility and blowing snow across roadways.
Travel over Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass and Red Mountain-area routes near Silverton and Rico may become very difficult. In the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, including Monarch and McClure passes, 6 to 10 inches of snow combined with 40 mph gusts will create slick and snow-covered conditions.
Lower elevations along the I-70 corridor from Glenwood Springs to Rifle and Silt could see up to 2 inches, enough to create slippery stretches during the evening drive. Durango, Cortez and Pagosa Springs may pick up 3 to 6 inches, while the Flat Tops and Tavaputs Plateau expect 4 to 8 inches.
Drivers should slow down, carry winter survival gear and check road conditions by calling 511 before traveling. Advisories remain in effect until 11 p.m., and additional impacts could continue overnight at higher elevations.
