Pueblo, Colorado – Travel across Colorado’s high mountain passes could become extremely dangerous beginning Friday as a powerful winter storm unloads heavy snow and strong winds across the eastern San Juan Mountains, including Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from Friday morning through early Sunday for elevations above 10,000 feet in the eastern San Juans. Snowfall totals between 10 and 18 inches are expected, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Snow is expected to intensify late Friday morning, quickly deteriorating travel conditions along U.S. Highway 160 over Wolf Creek Pass and U.S. Highway 17 near Cumbres Pass. Periods of heavy snow Friday afternoon and Friday night may lead to temporary road closures, chain requirements, and long travel delays. Conditions could be especially hazardous during the Friday evening travel window and again Saturday as snow continues.
Colorado Department of Transportation crews will be working to keep mountain routes open, but officials warn that snowfall rates and blowing snow may overwhelm plowing efforts at times. Backcountry travel and high-elevation recreation are strongly discouraged during the storm.
Drivers are urged to delay mountain travel, carry winter survival supplies, and check real-time road conditions by calling 511. The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect through early Sunday, with lingering snow and slick roads possible even after snowfall tapers off.
