Denver, CO – The Rockies are heading into one of the most winter-prone setups nationwide for the Thanksgiving travel window, as new long-range federal outlooks highlight a 40–50% or higher probability of above-normal precipitation from November 23 through November 29. With widespread cold air already established across the high terrain, the region faces the potential for accumulating snow, mountain pass impacts, and significant travel delays.
According to the Climate Prediction Center’s 8–14 Day Outlook, the Northern and Central Rockies show the strongest snow potential. Montana, Wyoming, and northern Colorado sit directly beneath the heart of the moisture corridor while also remaining firmly in the cold sector of the pattern. Cities such as Billings, Bozeman, Casper, Laramie, Cheyenne, and Fort Collins could see periods of steady snow—especially during the second half of the holiday week.
The Colorado high country, including Vail, Breckenridge, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, and Winter Park, is positioned for repeated chances of accumulating snow. Mountain passes such as I-70’s Eisenhower Tunnel, US-40 over Rabbit Ears Pass, and US-550 through the San Juans may experience travel slowdowns, slick roads, and bursts of reduced visibility.
In the Southern Rockies, including northern New Mexico and southern Colorado, colder air is marginal but still supportive of snow at elevation. Santa Fe, Taos, Raton Pass, and high terrain along the Sangre de Cristo range may see periods of snow or mixed precipitation, depending on storm timing.
The Wasatch and eastern Idaho also sit within the elevated moisture signal. Salt Lake City, Logan, Pocatello, and the surrounding higher terrain could see rounds of wet snow and impactful holiday travel conditions.
Thanksgiving week is historically one of the busiest for mountain travel across I-70, I-80, I-25, and US-285. Even moderate snowfall may cause backups, chain requirements, or ramp restrictions at high-altitude segments.
Forecasters expect clearer storm-track details early next week as short-range models begin isolating individual systems approaching the Rockies.
