Fort Collins, Colorado – Travel across northern Colorado’s high country could deteriorate rapidly before sunrise Wednesday as accumulating snow begins covering mountain roads above 9,000 feet, impacting routes near Rocky Mountain National Park and key mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 5 a.m. Wednesday until 11 a.m. Thursday for the northern Front Range mountains. Snow accumulations of 4 to 10 inches are expected, with isolated totals up to 15 inches at higher elevations in the Medicine Bow Range and the Rabbit Ears Range.
Snow will intensify through Wednesday morning and persist into Wednesday night, affecting Cameron Pass, Willow Creek Pass, and mountain corridors near Rocky Mountain National Park. Blowing snow and reduced visibility are expected during heavier periods, making travel difficult for much of the day Wednesday and into early Thursday.
Colorado Department of Transportation crews will be monitoring conditions, but drivers heading into the high country should expect snow-packed roads, slower travel times, and limited visibility. Travelers are urged to delay non-essential trips, carry winter emergency supplies, and check COtrip.org or 511 for real-time road conditions.
Snow tapers Thursday morning, though slick and snow-covered roads may linger into the late morning hours. Additional advisories could be issued if snowfall totals trend higher in favored terrain.
