Snow and Blowing Snow Impact Colorado Mountain Passes This Morning

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Blowing Snow
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Southern and Central Colorado — Snow and strong winds will continue to affect high-elevation areas of southern and central Colorado through late Sunday morning, creating hazardous travel conditions over mountain passes.

According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect until 11 a.m. MST Sunday for multiple mountain zones above 10,000 to 11,000 feet.

Affected areas include the Northern and Southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, encompassing Spanish Peaks and Blanca Peak, where up to two inches of additional snow is expected. Winds gusting up to 50 mph may cause blowing snow and reduced visibility, especially near exposed ridgelines and passes.

In the Eastern San Juan Mountains, including Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass, a previously issued Winter Storm Warning has been canceled, but a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect. Only light additional snowfall up to one inch is expected, though gusts up to 40 mph could still create difficult driving conditions due to blowing snow.

Farther north, the Western Mosquito Range and Eastern Sawatch Mountains, including Bonanza and Climax, will see up to two inches of additional snowfall with stronger winds gusting as high as 55 mph. These winds may lead to localized whiteout conditions, particularly over high mountain passes.

The National Weather Service warns that travel may be very difficult at times, with degraded visibilities and snow-packed roads, especially during the early morning hours. Gusty winds could also bring down tree branches or power lines in exposed areas.

Motorists are urged to slow down, use caution, and check road conditions before traveling, particularly if crossing mountain passes. Travelers can obtain the latest road information by calling 511 or visiting COtrip.org.