Leadville, Colorado – Mountain travel across southern Colorado could become impossible at times through 11 p.m. Wednesday as up to 12 inches of snow and 60 mph wind gusts hammer high-elevation roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for the Western Mosquito Range, Lake County, Western Chaffee County, La Garita Mountains, and the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Additional snowfall between 4 and 12 inches is expected, with locally higher totals along the crest of the Sawatch Range. Strong winds will create blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially above 10,000 feet.
Communities including Leadville, Climax, Creede, Granite, South Fork, St. Elmo, and Alpine will see periods of heavy snow through Wednesday. U.S. Highway 24 near Leadville, U.S. 160 over North Pass, and stretches of Colorado Highway 17 could see snow-packed lanes and near-whiteout conditions during heavier bursts. Gusts up to 60 mph may down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
Drivers should avoid non-essential mountain travel, carry winter survival kits, and check Colorado 511 for updated road closures. Another round of heavier snow is expected Wednesday, keeping impacts in place into Wednesday night. Additional advisories may follow if snowfall intensifies.
