Grand Junction, Colorado – A mild but unsettled pattern is marking the start of the new year across western Colorado, with widespread precipitation impacting the region today and into Friday. While valley locations are seeing mainly rain, snow is falling in the high country, creating potential travel issues over mountain passes.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, warm subtropical moisture is moving into the region, keeping snow levels above 8,000 feet through Friday. This setup limits meaningful snow accumulation to higher elevations, including the central and southern Colorado mountains. Lower elevations along the I-70 corridor, including Grand Junction, Fruita, and Palisade, are expected to remain mostly rain.
The heaviest precipitation is expected tonight into Friday, when mountain snow intensifies. Mountain passes such as Vail Pass, Red Mountain Pass, and areas near the San Juan Mountains could see slick and snow-covered roads, especially overnight. Even with relatively mild temperatures, winter driving conditions are possible in these higher terrain areas.
Mountain valleys may see a rain and snow mix at times, but impacts there are expected to remain limited. Temperatures across the valleys will stay mild enough to prevent accumulation, keeping most roads wet rather than icy. However, reduced visibility and localized slick spots are possible near higher elevation routes.
Travelers heading into the mountains for New Year’s trips should prepare for changing conditions, allow extra time, and carry winter driving supplies. CDOT crews will monitor conditions, but snowfall during heavier bursts could quickly affect pass travel.
Conditions improve heading into Saturday as warmer and quieter weather returns to the Western Slope. Precipitation tapers off, and travel impacts diminish as snow showers end.
No additional widespread advisories are posted at this time, but drivers should continue to monitor updates through Friday evening, especially if traveling over mountain passes where winter conditions may persist into the overnight hours.
