Pueblo, Colorado – Snow and strong winds are creating hazardous travel conditions across several southern Colorado mountain ranges Friday afternoon, with visibility dropping quickly on higher elevation roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Pueblo, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until midnight MST tonight for the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Wet Mountains, and the summit region of Pikes Peak. Forecasters expect 4 to 8 inches of additional snowfall, with locally higher totals along the east-facing slopes of the Wet Mountains and northern Sangre de Cristo range. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph, which may produce blowing snow and sudden visibility drops.
Mountain travel routes including La Veta Pass on U.S. Highway 160, Poncha Pass along U.S. Highway 285, and high elevation access roads near Pikes Peak may become snow-packed and difficult through the evening hours. Communities such as Cuchara, Rye, Weston, and areas near the Spanish Peaks could see periods of heavier snow as upslope flow enhances accumulation.
Drivers heading into these mountain areas should prepare for rapidly changing road conditions, slow speeds, and reduced visibility. Officials recommend checking Colorado road conditions by dialing 511 before traveling and allowing extra stopping distance on snow-covered pavement.
Snowfall is expected to taper near midnight Friday, though slick spots and drifting snow may continue into early Saturday morning as temperatures remain below freezing across southern Colorado’s higher terrain.
