Grand Junction, Colorado – Mountain travel across western Colorado and eastern Utah will remain hazardous through early Thursday as heavy snow and powerful winds create near-zero visibility above 7,000 to 8,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday for the Tavaputs Plateau, Eastern Uinta Mountains, La Sal and Abajo Mountains, Upper Yampa River Basin and San Juan River Basin. Snow totals between 6 and 12 inches are expected in most mountain zones, with localized higher amounts on favored slopes. Winds could gust between 40 and 65 mph over exposed peaks and passes.
Steamboat Springs may receive 6 to 9 inches of snow, while areas near Pagosa Springs and the Tavaputs Plateau could see up to 11 inches above 7,000 feet. In the La Sal and Abajo Mountains near Monticello and Spanish Valley, gusts up to 65 mph may produce intense blowing snow.
High-elevation routes and mountain passes could become difficult to impossible at times. Drivers should delay non-essential travel, carry winter survival gear and check Colorado and Utah 511 systems for closures.
Hazardous conditions are expected to impact both Tuesday commutes and continue through Wednesday night before gradually easing early Thursday morning.
