Walsenburg, Colorado – Drivers crossing southern Colorado mountain passes late Saturday could face sudden crosswinds strong enough to push vehicles across lanes as gusts approach 75 mph, creating hazardous conditions through Sunday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a High Wind Warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday until 3 p.m. Sunday for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Eastern Sawatch Range, and parts of Huerfano County, including areas around Walsenburg. West winds of 35 to 45 mph are expected in higher elevations, with gusts up to 75 mph possible along exposed ridges and mountain passes.
The strongest winds are expected near La Veta Pass, Poncha Pass, Cuchara, Spanish Peaks, and Blanca Peak, where blowing snow could also reduce visibility at times across higher elevations above 8,500 feet.
Lower elevations near Walsenburg and the Upper Huerfano River Basin may see northwest winds of 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph beginning Saturday evening. Blowing dust across open terrain could reduce visibility to under one mile in some locations.
Travelers along U.S. Highway 160 and Interstate 25 near Walsenburg, as well as mountain routes through the Sangre de Cristo range, may encounter dangerous crosswinds, especially for campers, trailers, and tractor-trailers.
Residents should secure outdoor furniture and loose objects before Saturday evening and prepare for potential power outages from falling tree limbs.
Winds are expected to gradually weaken after mid-afternoon Sunday, though additional advisories could follow if conditions intensify across southern Colorado’s mountain corridors.
