Denver, CO – Drivers and mountain travelers across Colorado are urged to prepare for dangerous winter weather beginning late tonight, as a Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect for high elevations above 9,000 feet through Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a strengthening winter system will bring 4 to 12 inches of snow to the Colorado high country, combined with wind gusts up to 60 mph, creating areas of blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
The advisory begins at midnight Friday night and remains in effect until midnight Saturday night, impacting many of the state’s most traveled mountain areas. Affected locations include Rocky Mountain National Park, Summit County, the Mosquito Range, Indian Peaks, Rabbit Ears Pass, Berthoud Pass, Cameron Pass, Willow Creek Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel, Winter Park, Breckenridge, and Mount Blue Sky.
Forecasters say travel could become very difficult, especially Saturday morning, as snowfall rates increase and strong winds create near-whiteout conditions at times. Mountain passes and exposed roadways are expected to see the worst impacts.
This system may significantly affect holiday and weekend travel along I-70, US-40, and other high-elevation routes. Drivers of high-profile vehicles and those without winter equipment are especially urged to delay travel if possible.
Officials recommend slowing down, allowing extra travel time, and checking road conditions frequently. The latest travel updates are available by calling 511 or visiting cotrip.org.
