Grand Junction, Colorado – Snow will begin stacking up across Colorado’s central and northwest mountains by 6 p.m. Thursday, setting up slick passes and reduced visibility just in time for the Friday commute. Drivers crossing Vail Pass, traveling near Aspen, or heading through the Flat Tops should prepare for snow-covered roads and gusty winds through Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect at 6 p.m. Thursday for elevations above 8,000 to 8,500 feet. The Gore and Elk Mountains, including Vail, Snowmass and Minturn, could see 4 to 7 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 35 mph through midnight Friday night. Farther north and west, including the Flat Tops, Elkhead and Park Mountains, totals may reach 10 inches with gusts near 40 mph before conditions ease by 6 p.m. Friday.
Blowing snow could lower visibility along Interstate 70 over Vail Pass and on U.S. 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass. CDOT crews are expected to monitor conditions closely, but chain restrictions or brief closures are possible if snowfall rates intensify.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and check road conditions by dialing 511 before heading into higher terrain. The most significant impacts are expected during the Friday morning and evening commutes, and additional advisories could follow if snowfall trends upward.
