PUEBLO, Colo. — A powerful winter storm is expected to bring heavy snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to Colorado’s Eastern San Juan Mountains, prompting the National Weather Service to maintain a Winter Storm Warning through early Sunday.
Forecasters said the storm will impact elevations above 10,000 feet, including Wolf Creek Pass and Cumbres Pass, from late Friday morning through early Sunday. Snowfall totals are expected to range from 10 to 20 inches, with wind gusts up to 35 mph creating periods of blowing and drifting snow.
The combination of heavy snow and strong winds is expected to make travel very difficult to impossible, particularly over high mountain passes. Visibility may be sharply reduced at times, and road conditions could deteriorate rapidly as snowfall intensifies.
Transportation officials warned motorists to avoid travel across the affected passes unless absolutely necessary. Those who must travel are urged to carry emergency supplies, including food, water and a flashlight, in case they become stranded.
The storm is part of a broader winter system impacting the southern Rockies, with the heaviest accumulations focused on high-elevation terrain. Snowfall rates may be heavy at times, increasing the risk of road closures and delays through the weekend.
Officials also cautioned that conditions may remain dangerous even after snowfall tapers off early Sunday due to lingering snowpack and icy roads. Avalanche danger may increase in steep terrain as new snow piles up on existing layers.
Motorists can check current road conditions by dialing 511 before traveling. Forecasters emphasized that weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly and advised residents and visitors to closely monitor updates as the storm continues to unfold.
