Weather
Southwest Colorado Winter Storm Warning: Up to 18 Inches by Monday Nov 2
Southwest Colorado, CO – A powerful early November winter storm is expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 45 mph to Colorado's San Juan Mountains beginning Sunday, November
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-31T17:52:27.497Z
Southwest Colorado, CO – A powerful early November winter storm is expected to bring up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 45 mph to Colorado's San Juan Mountains beginning Sunday, November 1. Dangerous mountain travel conditions could continue into Monday morning, with some high elevation roads becoming nearly impossible to navigate.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Grand Junction and Pueblo, winter storm warnings have been issued for portions of southwestern Colorado, including mountain areas near Telluride, Ouray, Silverton, Rico, Lake City and several major mountain passes.
The Northwest and Southwest San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet could receive 12 to 18 inches of snow , with locally higher totals possible. That warning takes effect at 6 a.m. Sunday and continues until noon Monday, November 2.
Farther east, the Eastern San Juan Mountains above 10,000 feet are forecast to receive 8 to 14 inches of snow . The warning covering Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass begins at 5 p.m. Sunday and continues through 11 a.m. Monday.
Wind gusts approaching 45 mph could create blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility and making travel especially hazardous overnight Sunday and during Monday's morning commute.
Motorists traveling through Red Mountain Pass, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Lizard Head Pass and Wolf Creek Pass should prepare for rapidly deteriorating road conditions as snowfall intensifies.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could become very difficult or impossible in the hardest hit mountain locations.
Drivers planning mountain trips should consider adjusting travel schedules, reducing speeds and carrying emergency supplies, including food, water and flashlights.
Travelers can check current Colorado highway conditions through COtrip or by dialing 511 before departing.
The greatest concern remains Sunday night into Monday morning , when accumulating snow and strong winds could combine to create dangerous conditions across the region's highest elevations.