PUEBLO, Colo. – A return to winter conditions is expected across Colorado’s higher terrain beginning Monday night, with wind-driven snow and hazardous travel developing along the Continental Divide through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, strong west to southwest winds will combine with accumulating snow to create areas of blowing and drifting snow, at times reducing visibility to near zero. The most difficult travel conditions are expected Monday night through Tuesday morning.
Winter Storm Warning areas are forecast to receive between 8 and 14 inches of snow, with localized totals up to 20 inches possible in favored higher elevations. Advisory areas are expected to see 4 to 12 inches of accumulation.
The heaviest snow is expected across the central mountains and along the Continental Divide, including higher elevations near Monarch Pass, Wolf Creek Pass, and other mountain corridors. Gusty winds will not only reduce visibility but also cause significant drifting, especially on exposed roadways and passes.
Travel impacts could be significant, particularly overnight Monday into early Tuesday, when snowfall rates and wind speeds are expected to peak. Motorists traveling across high mountain routes should be prepared for rapidly changing conditions, slick roadways, and potential chain requirements or closures.
Blowing snow may persist even after snowfall rates decrease due to continued strong winds, prolonging hazardous travel conditions into Wednesday. Backcountry users should also be prepared for difficult navigation and increased avalanche concerns as new snow accumulates and is redistributed by wind.
Lower elevations, including the I-25 corridor and eastern plains, are expected to see far less impact, with the primary hazards confined to higher terrain.
Residents and travelers are urged to monitor updated forecasts and road conditions before heading into the mountains. Those with flexible travel plans may want to consider adjusting schedules to avoid the worst conditions Monday night through Tuesday morning.
Winter returns to Colorado’s high country this week — and with strong winds in the mix, it could make for a rough stretch of mountain travel.
