Weather
Western Colorado Snow: Slick Mountain Roads Oct. 13-15
Grand Junction, CO – Winterlike weather is returning to Colorado's mountains this week, with snow showers expected Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Thursday morning, Oct. 15, potentially creating slick drivi
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-13T10:37:38.957Z
Grand Junction, CO – Winterlike weather is returning to Colorado's mountains this week, with snow showers expected Tuesday, Oct. 13, through Thursday morning, Oct. 15, potentially creating slick driving conditions along higher elevation roads and mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, snow showers will initially concentrate mainly above 10,000 feet, but snow levels could fall to approximately 7,000 feet by Thursday morning as colder air spreads across the region.
Mountain Snow Could Affect Travel
Forecasters warn that slick road conditions are possible Tuesday night and again Wednesday night, particularly along mountain passes where colder temperatures could allow snow to accumulate on road surfaces.
Travelers crossing higher elevations in western Colorado and the central Rockies should prepare for changing road conditions, reduced traction and potentially slower travel.
The National Weather Service forecast highlights mountain areas near Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Vail and Telluride as locations where snowfall is possible during the midweek period.
However, snowfall amounts and accumulation probabilities will vary significantly by elevation and location.
Snow Levels Could Drop Thursday
Tuesday's snow showers are expected to remain primarily above 10,000 feet, limiting the greatest impacts to higher mountain terrain.
Snow chances continue Wednesday, Oct. 14, before colder conditions potentially lower snow levels toward 7,000 feet early Thursday, Oct. 15.
This could allow snow showers to reach additional mountain communities and roadways that initially experience rain or little accumulation.
The forecast does not indicate that widespread heavy snowfall is expected across Colorado's lower elevations.
Drivers Urged to Monitor Conditions
Motorists planning overnight or early morning mountain travel should check road conditions before departure, particularly when crossing elevated passes.
Drivers can monitor updated travel information through the Colorado Department of Transportation's COtrip service.
While the forecast signals an early taste of winter in the mountains, the greatest travel concerns remain concentrated at higher elevations.
Residents and visitors should continue monitoring National Weather Service updates as snow levels and road conditions change through Thursday morning