Pueblo, Colorado – Travel above 11,000 feet in central Colorado could become dangerous within hours as wind-driven snow and 70 mph gusts move into the Sawatch and Mosquito ranges starting at midnight tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from midnight tonight through midnight MST Wednesday night for the Eastern Sawatch Mountains and Western Mosquito Range above 11,000 feet. Snow totals will range from 4 to 10 inches, with the heaviest accumulation expected on northwest-facing slopes north of Cottonwood Pass. Powerful wind gusts up to 70 mph will blow and drift snow, sharply reducing visibility.
Areas near Climax and Bonanza face the greatest impact, especially along exposed ridgelines and high-elevation roads. Blowing snow may create near-whiteout conditions at times Wednesday morning and again during the evening commute window. Strong winds could also snap tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages in vulnerable mountain infrastructure.
Drivers should avoid non-essential travel across high passes during peak snowfall and wind. Check Colorado 511 before departure and prepare for rapidly changing visibility.
Snow and wind gradually ease after midnight Wednesday night, but additional advisories are possible if bands redevelop along the Continental Divide.
