Grand Junction, Colorado – Travel across Colorado’s high country is expected to become difficult to impossible beginning early Friday as a widespread mountain snow event settles in and lingers through the weekend.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, Winter Weather Advisories have been issued for much of western and central Colorado’s mountain terrain, including the Gore and Elk Mountains, West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Grand and Battlement Mesas, the San Juan Mountains, and the Flat Tops. Snow is expected to begin early Friday, with totals ranging from 6 to 12 inches in many locations and locally higher amounts on favored slopes.
Mountain communities and passes are likely to see the greatest impacts. Areas around Vail Pass, Monarch Pass, McClure Pass, Red Mountain Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Molas Pass, and Lizard Head Pass could experience rapidly deteriorating road conditions, especially during the Friday morning and evening commutes. Snow-covered roads and reduced visibility may slow or halt travel at times.
In southwest Colorado, including Pagosa Springs and the San Juan River Basin, snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected from Friday evening through early Sunday. Above 7,500 feet on the Uncompahgre Plateau, Dallas Divide, and into the La Sal and Abajo Mountains of Utah, similar totals are expected with hazardous travel conditions.
Drivers are urged to avoid unnecessary mountain travel, carry winter safety gear, and check CDOT road conditions by calling 511 before heading out. Advisories remain in effect through the weekend, and additional alerts could be issued if snowfall intensifies or persists longer than expected.
