Pueblo, CO – A powerful winter storm is hammering southern Colorado today, prompting the National Weather Service (NWS) in Pueblo to upgrade several mountain and valley zones to a Winter Storm Warning through early Thursday morning.
Heavy snow is impacting a broad stretch of the southern mountains, foothills, and valleys, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, San Luis Valley, Wet Mountains, Eastern San Juans, Upper Rio Grande Valley, and portions of Saguache County east of the Continental Divide.
According to the NWS, snowfall totals will vary widely by elevation but may be significant:
- Saguache County (below 10,000 ft): 5–10 inches
- Sangre de Cristo Mountains: 8–20 inches
- Eastern San Juan Mountains & Upper Rio Grande Valley: 5–11 inches
- San Luis Valley (Alamosa, Del Norte, Monte Vista): 4–8 inches
- Wet Mountain Valley & Wet Mountains: 8–16 inches, with highest amounts along eastern slopes
The heaviest snow is expected to continue through late afternoon, with lingering moderate snow into the overnight hours. The timing sets up widespread travel impacts for the Wednesday evening commute across highways including US 160, US 285, CO 69, CO 17, and multiple high mountain passes, such as Wolf Creek Pass, La Veta Pass, Cumbres Pass, and Poncha Pass.
Forecasters warn that travel could become very difficult to impossible in the hardest-hit mountain corridors due to heavy snow, drifting, and rapidly deteriorating visibility. Even valley locations may see slick and hazardous conditions, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Drivers are urged to delay travel if possible, carry emergency supplies, and check Colorado 511 or cotrip.org for real-time road conditions.
