Pueblo, CO – Wind gusts up to 70 mph will begin slamming Colorado’s highest peaks by midnight, creating whiteout conditions and dangerous crosswinds above 11,000 feet through Wednesday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from midnight tonight until midnight Wednesday night for the Eastern Sawatch Mountains above 11,000 feet and the Western Mosquito Range in East Lake County. Areas including Climax and Bonanza could see 4 to 9 inches of wind-driven snow, with the heaviest totals on northwest-facing slopes north of Cottonwood Pass.
Blowing and drifting snow will sharply reduce visibility along exposed ridgelines and high mountain routes. Gusts near 70 mph may knock down tree limbs and trigger isolated power outages in vulnerable areas. Travel across high-elevation passes could become very difficult, especially during the Wednesday morning and evening travel windows when snowfall rates briefly intensify.
Backcountry travelers should delay trips, secure loose gear and prepare for rapidly changing conditions. Motorists are urged to check Colorado 511 for updated pass closures and traction requirements before departure.
Snow and strong winds will gradually ease late Wednesday night, but additional advisories remain possible if wind speeds exceed projections.
