Grand Junction, Colorado – Drivers crossing Vail Pass could hit slick, snow-covered pavement by daybreak Wednesday as high-elevation snow and 60 mph wind gusts move into Colorado’s central mountains overnight Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from midnight Tuesday night through midnight Wednesday night for areas above 10,000 feet across the Gore and Elk Mountains, Central Mountain Valleys and the Flat Tops. Snow totals between 4 and 8 inches are expected at higher elevations, with strong winds creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Travel along Interstate 70 over Vail Pass, as well as mountain routes near Aspen, Snowmass and Minturn, may become hazardous during both the Wednesday morning and evening commutes. CDOT crews could contend with drifting snow on exposed stretches, while wind gusts up to 60 mph may snap tree limbs and create isolated debris on roadways.
Ski areas and backcountry users near Trappers Lake and Buford should prepare for sudden visibility drops and rapidly changing ridge-top conditions. Officials urge motorists to slow down, allow extra travel time and check Colorado 511 for the latest road updates. Advisories remain in effect through midnight Wednesday night, and additional alerts are possible if snowfall intensifies.
