Grand Junction, CO – Drivers across western Colorado and eastern Utah should expect snow-packed highways and sudden drops in visibility beginning late Monday night as mountain snow intensifies.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 11 p.m. Monday until 5 a.m. Thursday for the Roan and Tavaputs Plateaus, Upper Yampa River Basin, San Juan River Basin above 7,000 feet, Eastern Uinta Mountains and the La Sal and Abajo Mountains above 8,000 feet. Snow totals will range from 6 to 12 inches in many mountain areas, with 5 to 10 inches near Pagosa Springs and locally higher amounts possible. Wind gusts could reach 60 to 65 mph on exposed ridges, creating blowing snow and near-zero visibility at times.
Steamboat Springs, Rio Blanco County and high terrain near Monticello and Dutch John may see hazardous travel during the Tuesday morning and evening commutes. U.S. 40 near Rabbit Ears Pass approaches, U.S. 160 near Pagosa Springs and mountain roads in the Uintas could become slick and drifted.
Motorists should slow down, allow extra travel time and check Colorado or Utah road conditions by calling 511 before departure. Snow and strong winds will persist in waves through early Thursday, with additional impacts possible if heavier bands develop.
