Pueblo, Colorado – Snow and strong winds are creating hazardous travel across Colorado’s highest terrain early Monday, with blowing snow sharply reducing visibility over several passes from the Sawatch Range to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 5 a.m. for elevations above 10,000 to 11,000 feet. While only an additional inch of accumulation is expected, strong gusts up to 35 mph are producing blowing snow over Cumbres, Wolf Creek, and sections of the Mosquito and Sawatch ranges. The Sangre de Cristo peaks may see 1 to 3 more inches before conditions begin to ease.
Travelers using U.S. 160 over Wolf Creek Pass, State Highway 17 near Cumbres Pass, and backcountry routes toward Spanish Peaks and Blanca Peak should prepare for near-whiteout pockets where wind carries snow across the roadway. Even brief bursts of blowing snow can lead to sudden drops in visibility and slick surfaces.
Transportation officials urge drivers to slow down, use extreme caution, and avoid mountain travel when possible until winds weaken after sunrise. Crews will continue monitoring the passes for drifting and ice.
Conditions should improve later this morning as winds settle and snowfall diminishes. Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 5 a.m. Monday.
