Durango, Colorado – Heavy mountain snow and gusty winds are creating dangerous travel across western Colorado and southeast Utah, with impacts continuing until 11 p.m. MST tonight.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for the Southwest San Juan Mountains, Uncompahgre Plateau, Grand and Battlement Mesas, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Flat Tops, and portions of southeast Utah. Snow totals range from 6 to 12 inches in the higher terrain, with 4 to 8 inches in other mountain zones and 3 to 6 inches across lower elevations near Cortez, Pagosa Springs and Monticello. Winds may gust between 35 and 45 mph.
Travel over mountain passes will become very difficult.
Molas Pass and Coal Bank Pass on U.S. Highway 550, Monarch Pass on U.S. 50, and McClure Pass on Highway 133 may see snow-packed roads and sharply reduced visibility. Blowing snow could create near-whiteout conditions at times above 9,000 feet.
Lower elevations, including the Central Colorado River Basin from Rifle to Glenwood Springs, may see up to 4 inches with slick conditions developing during the evening commute.
Drivers should slow down, carry winter gear and check COtrip.org or call 511 for updated road conditions before traveling.
Snow tapers late tonight, but icy roads may persist into early Saturday. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 11 p.m. MST.
