Breckenridge, Colorado – Travel across Colorado’s high mountain passes could turn dangerous by late Monday night as snow and 70 mph wind gusts hammer elevations above 9,000 feet.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 11 p.m. Monday through 11 p.m. Wednesday for the high country, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Summit County, the Indian Peaks and the Mosquito Range. Snow totals are expected to range from 3 to 10 inches, with isolated amounts up to 12 inches. Strong winds may trigger blowing snow and sudden snow squalls, dropping visibility to a quarter mile or less.
The advisory includes major travel corridors such as Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower Tunnel, Berthoud Pass, Cameron Pass and U.S. 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass. Conditions may deteriorate quickly during the Tuesday morning commute, with additional impacts Tuesday evening.
Drivers should prepare for traction laws, chain restrictions and possible temporary closures. Check road conditions through Colorado 511 or cotrip.org before heading into the mountains. Officials warn that snow squalls could create rapid whiteout conditions with little warning. The advisory remains in effect through Wednesday night, and additional updates are likely as the storm develops.
