Grand Junction, CO – Drivers crossing Vail Pass and other high-elevation routes will face snow-covered pavement and gusts up to 50 mph beginning at midnight, creating slick travel above 10,000 feet through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from midnight tonight until midnight Wednesday night for the Flat Tops and the Gore and Elk Mountains, including Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, Minturn, Buford and Trappers Lake. Snowfall totals between 4 and 8 inches are expected above 10,000 feet, with locally higher amounts on favored slopes.
The heaviest accumulation will focus on mountain peaks and exposed passes, where wind gusts could cause patchy blowing snow and reduced visibility. Vail Pass may see periods of drifting, especially during the early morning hours Wednesday and again late in the day as snow showers redevelop.
Lower elevations in central mountain valleys will see lighter impacts, but drivers heading into the high country should prepare for winter conditions. CDOT advises checking Colorado 511 for traction laws and pass restrictions before departure.
Snow showers taper late Wednesday night, though additional advisories are possible if bands linger over the higher terrain.
