Denver, Colorado – Drivers crossing Colorado’s high mountain passes could face near-whiteout bursts and wind gusts up to 60 mph before midnight, creating sudden slick spots on I-70 and exposed stretches near the Eisenhower Tunnel.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for elevations above 9,000 feet in Summit, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Grand and Park counties until midnight MST tonight. Forecasters expect up to 4 additional inches of snow, with powerful gusts capable of blowing snow across roadways and sharply reducing visibility.
The advisory targets the Mosquito Range, Indian Peaks and high terrain near Breckenridge, Winter Park and Berthoud Pass. Travel through the Eisenhower Tunnel corridor and along U.S. 40 and Highway 9 may slow significantly as snow-covered pavement and drifting develop during the evening hours.
CDOT officials urge drivers to check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting cotrip.org before heading into the mountains. Motorists should reduce speed, increase following distance and carry winter survival gear, especially with wind chills dropping sharply at higher elevations.
Snow and strong winds are expected to taper around midnight, but slick roads could linger into the early Thursday morning hours. Additional advisories remain possible if bands intensify before the system exits.
