Denver, Colorado – Whiteout conditions and sudden snow squalls could make travel treacherous over Rabbit Ears Pass through early Thursday, with visibility dropping to a quarter mile or less.
According to the National Weather Service in Denver, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 5 a.m. MST Thursday for West Jackson and West Grand counties above 9,000 feet, including Rabbit Ears Pass and the Mount Zirkel area. An additional 7 to 15 inches of snow is expected, with wind gusts reaching 50 mph.
Blowing and drifting snow will create hazardous driving conditions along U.S. Highway 40, especially during intense bursts of snowfall Wednesday afternoon and evening. Sudden snow squalls may quickly coat pavement and trigger spinouts on steep grades.
CDOT officials urge drivers to check cotrip.org or call 511 for updated road conditions and traction law requirements before heading into the mountains. Motorists should carry emergency supplies, including food, water and extra clothing, in case of delays.
Snow and strong winds will persist overnight, with gradual improvement expected after daybreak Thursday. Drifting snow may continue to impact high-elevation routes even after snowfall tapers.
