Crested Butte, Colorado – Snow will intensify across Colorado’s central and western mountains by 2 a.m. Friday, creating hazardous travel over high passes before sunrise and lasting into Friday night.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 2 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday for the Grand and Battlement Mesas and the West Elk and Sawatch Mountains. Forecasters expect 6 to 10 inches of snow, with wind gusts reaching 40 mph that could create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility.
Travel over Monarch Pass, McClure Pass and high terrain near Taylor Park and Marble may become snow-packed early Friday. Crested Butte and surrounding mountain roads could see periods of heavier snowfall during the morning and again late afternoon, slowing both commutes. Exposed ridgelines and open stretches near Skyway are most vulnerable to drifting snow as winds increase.
The Colorado Department of Transportation advises drivers to prepare for chain restrictions or temporary closures if snowfall rates spike. Motorists should slow down, increase following distance and check road conditions by calling 511 before heading into the high country.
Snow is expected to taper late Friday evening, but slick spots could linger overnight. Additional advisories may be issued if snowfall persists into the weekend.
