Grand Junction, Colorado – Snowfall continues to affect high-elevation travel across western Colorado and southeast Utah into early Friday morning, Jan. 9, as multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect for mountain regions.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, advisories remain active until 5 a.m. MST Friday, Jan. 9, for areas above 8,000 feet across the Elkhead and Park Mountains, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Grand and Battlement Mesas, Uncompahgre Plateau, Dallas Divide, and the Flat Tops. Additional snowfall of 2 to 6 inches is expected, with locally higher amounts possible in favored terrain. Winds may gust up to 35 mph, contributing to blowing snow on exposed ridgelines and passes.
Further south, the Gore and Elk Mountains, Central Mountain Valleys, and the Northwest and Southwest San Juan Mountains are forecast to receive 3 to 6 inches of additional snow through early Friday, Jan. 9, impacting travel across major routes including Vail Pass, Red Mountain Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Molas Pass, McClure Pass, Monarch Pass, and Lizard Head Pass.
In southeast Utah, the La Sal and Abajo Mountains remain under a Winter Weather Advisory through 5 a.m. Friday, Jan. 9, for elevations above 8,500 feet. Snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected, with winds gusting up to 50 mph, creating very difficult travel conditions in higher terrain near La Sal and Monticello.
The National Weather Service warns that snow-packed and icy roads may persist through the overnight and early morning hours of Friday, Jan. 9, especially on mountain passes and untreated routes. Travel during this period may be difficult, and visibility may be reduced at times.
Drivers are urged to slow down, carry winter travel supplies, and check road conditions before heading out. For the latest Colorado and Utah road conditions, travelers should call 511.
