Pueblo, Colorado – Wind-driven snow of 5 to 10 inches is expected across the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges late tonight through Wednesday evening, creating slick and snowpacked mountain roads.
According to the US National Weather Service in Pueblo, snow will begin late tonight and continue through Wednesday evening, with the highest totals expected north of Cottonwood Pass. Areas near Leadville and along US-24 could see up to 10 inches of accumulation.
West winds are forecast to gust as high as 70 mph, producing blowing and drifting snow and significantly reduced visibility at times. Travel across exposed mountain passes may become hazardous as snow combines with strong crosswinds.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight tonight through midnight Wednesday night for impacted mountain zones.
Drivers traveling along US-24 near Leadville, US-285 near Buena Vista, US-50 near Salida, and US-160 in the San Luis Valley should prepare for changing road conditions. Blowing snow may create sudden visibility drops, particularly during heavier bursts.
Snowfall totals will vary by elevation, with lower valleys seeing lighter accumulations compared to higher terrain north of Cottonwood Pass.
The timing may impact early morning and late-day mountain travel Wednesday, including commercial traffic and school transportation routes in higher elevations.
Officials advise checking updated road conditions before traveling and allowing extra time when crossing mountain corridors.
