Grand Junction, CO – A powerful spring storm is set to blanket Colorado’s high country with heavy snow and strong winds, potentially dumping up to 12 inches of accumulation in some mountain areas by Saturday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from midnight Thursday night through 6 p.m. Saturday across elevations above 8,000 feet. Affected regions include the San Juan Mountains, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, and the Central Mountain Valleys, including Aspen, Telluride, Silverton, and Vail. Winds may gust as high as 45 mph, creating whiteout conditions and possible tree damage.
Travel is expected to be hazardous throughout the advisory window, especially during Friday’s morning and evening commutes. Mountain passes such as Monarch, Red Mountain, and Vail could become impassable at times due to snow accumulation and poor visibility.
Residents and visitors are urged to delay non-essential travel and check CDOT’s 511 road updates before venturing out. Drivers should keep emergency kits in their vehicles, slow down, and allow for extra stopping distance.
This storm, while not uncommon for mid-April in Colorado’s high terrain, serves as a reminder that winter’s grip can linger. Caution and preparation remain critical across all impacted zones through Saturday.
