Denver, CO – Travel on Colorado’s I-70 through the mountain corridor became extremely difficult Wednesday as steady snow and blowing wind reduced visibility and coated the roadway with slick, icy surfaces.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder, conditions deteriorated rapidly near the Eisenhower Tunnel early Wednesday afternoon. Webcam images from the west side of the tunnel showed reduced visibility, snow-covered pavement, and intermittent whiteout conditions as gusty winds pushed snow across travel lanes.
Forecasters said conditions may slowly improve later this afternoon, but hazardous travel is expected to persist through the evening. Drivers should anticipate rapidly changing visibility, scattered lane slowdowns, and the possibility of spinouts or temporary closures on the steepest portions of the corridor.
The NWS noted that even minor improvements may be short-lived, as blowing snow will continue to reduce traction on elevated and shaded stretches of I-70. Motorists traveling between Silverthorne, Dillon, and the Eisenhower/Johnson Tunnels should plan for extra travel time and be prepared for sudden braking or chain-law requirements.
Transportation officials urge drivers to check real-time road cameras and CDOT alerts before entering the mountain pass. High-profile vehicles and those towing trailers may face additional challenges due to crosswinds and drifting snow.
Light to moderate snowfall is expected to taper this evening, but temperatures will remain cold enough for refreezing, increasing the likelihood of icy patches overnight.
Residents and travelers across Summit County, Clear Creek County, and the broader central mountain region are encouraged to delay non-essential travel until conditions stabilize.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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