Aspen, Colorado – Snow arriving this evening across Colorado’s high country could quickly make travel difficult over several mountain passes before the Friday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory begins at 6 p.m. tonight and continues through Friday or Friday night for several mountain ranges across western Colorado. Areas above 8,500 feet near Aspen, Vail, and Minturn could receive 4 to 8 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 35 mph through late Friday night.
Heavier snowfall is expected farther south and west. The Northwest San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Ouray, and Red Mountain Pass could see 6 to 12 inches of snow, while the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains near Crested Butte and Monarch Pass may receive 5 to 10 inches with locally higher totals.
Snow will also impact Vail Pass along Interstate 70 and high elevation routes like McClure Pass, Lizard Head Pass, and Coal Bank Pass, where slick pavement and reduced visibility could slow travel.
Drivers heading through Colorado’s mountain corridors should check COtrip.org or call 511 for updated road conditions and chain restrictions.
Snow will continue periodically through Friday evening and into late Friday night in higher elevations, and additional travel advisories may be issued if snowfall rates increase.
