Leadville, CO – A Winter Weather Advisory goes into effect late Friday for areas of central Lake County below 11,000 feet, with the National Weather Service warning of accumulating snow and blowing snow that may impact travel through Saturday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, the advisory begins 11 p.m. Friday and continues until 11 p.m. Saturday for the Leadville vicinity, where 4 to 8 inches of snow are expected. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph will create areas of blowing snow, reducing visibility and making roads slick—particularly during early morning and evening travel periods.
Forecasters say the combination of fresh snow and gusty winds will make travel through Leadville and surrounding elevations challenging at times. Even short bursts of heavier snow may lead to rapid accumulation on untreated roadways, especially along U.S. 24 and county routes leading in and out of town.
The NWS urges drivers to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and be prepared for sudden visibility reductions as snow drifts develop overnight and into Saturday. Temperatures are expected to remain cold enough for snow to accumulate efficiently throughout the advisory period.
Residents and visitors should monitor updated conditions, especially those heading toward higher-elevation trailheads or traveling between Lake County and adjacent high-country areas. Road condition information is available via Colorado’s 511 system.
The advisory accompanies a broader round of winter weather impacting Colorado’s central mountains this weekend, where higher elevations above 11,000 feet are under a Winter Storm Warning.
