Denver, CO – A potent winter storm is set to bring heavy mountain snowfall and dangerous travel conditions across much of the Colorado high country from Friday night through Sunday, according to the National Weather Service in Denver/Boulder.
The heaviest snow is expected late Friday night into Saturday morning, with accumulations varying sharply by elevation. The highest totals are forecast at Rabbit Ears Pass, where 20 to 30 inches of snow could fall. Nearby areas like Winter Park and Berthoud Pass may see 8 to 14 inches, while Vail Pass and the Eisenhower Tunnel could receive up to 15 inches.
Farther south along U.S. 285, totals range from 3 to 8 inches near Jefferson to lighter amounts of 1–2 inches closer to Bailey and Conifer. On U.S. 14, Cameron Pass is forecast to get 9 to 18 inches, with 4 to 12 inches near Gould.
While lower elevations such as Denver, Fort Collins, and Greeley are expected to see little or no accumulation, the NWS warns that strong winds and blowing snow will create whiteout conditions and slick roads across the mountain corridors, especially Saturday morning through evening.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary mountain travel, carry winter emergency kits, and check COtrip.org for updated road closures.
