Winter Park, CO – A fast-moving Fall storm will push into the central Colorado high country this evening, dropping several inches of snow and producing 45 mph gusts that will create hazardous travel over Berthoud Pass and across Summit County through early Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder office, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday for the Indian Peaks, Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Medicine Bow Range, and the mountains of Summit and Park counties above 9,000 feet. Snow totals of 3 to 7 inches are expected, with heavier pockets possible along the Park and Medicine Bow Ranges. Winds will cause blowing and drifting snow overnight, sharply reducing visibility.
According to CDOT, slick and snow-packed roads are likely to develop quickly on US-40 at Berthoud Pass, I-70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, and CO-125 over Willow Creek Pass. Crews warn that the heaviest snow will fall late this evening into the overnight hours, when plow coverage may lag during bursts of higher intensity. Drivers should check cotrip.org, slow down, and avoid unnecessary late-night mountain travel.
According to Grand and Summit County emergency managers, hikers and backcountry travelers should expect rapidly worsening conditions after sunset, including wind-loaded slopes and near-whiteout terrain above tree line. Residents and visitors should secure outdoor items, keep devices charged, and move vehicles into sheltered areas if possible. Walkways and resort parking lots may become icy by late evening.
Snow will decrease quickly Saturday morning, with improving roads by mid to late morning.
