A powerful winter storm is set to sweep through Colorado’s mountain regions from Thursday night through Saturday, bringing heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous avalanche conditions.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Watch, warning that snowfall totals could exceed a foot in some areas, making travel extremely hazardous. Meanwhile, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has also issued an Avalanche Watch, signaling an increased risk of potentially deadly avalanches in the backcountry.
With ski resorts, mountain highways, and outdoor enthusiasts preparing for challenging conditions, authorities urge caution and advise against unnecessary travel into high-elevation areas.
When and Where Will the Storm Hit?
The storm is expected to gain strength late Thursday night and continue dumping snow through Saturday afternoon. The heaviest snowfall will occur in Colorado’s central and southern mountains, including:
- Park Range
- Flat Top Mountains
- Elk Mountains & Ruby Range
- West Elk Mountains
- San Juan Mountains
- La Plata Mountains
- Needle Mountains & Grenadier Range
These areas could see 8 to 14 inches of snow, with higher elevations potentially receiving even more due to orographic lifting, where mountains enhance snowfall by forcing moist air upwards.
Wind gusts of 35 to 50 mph will make matters worse, creating whiteout conditions and further increasing the avalanche threat.
Avalanche Risk Reaches Dangerous Levels
With fresh snowfall piling up on top of an already unstable snowpack, the CAIC is warning of High Avalanche Danger (Level 4 out of 5) by Thursday night.
Avalanches could occur naturally due to rapid snow accumulation and strong winds, with large slabs of snow breaking loose on steep slopes.
Backcountry skiers, snowboarders, and snowmobilers are strongly urged to avoid avalanche-prone areas. Even experienced outdoor adventurers are advised to stay away from high-risk terrain until conditions improve.
How Will This Affect Travel?
This storm will not only impact mountain recreation areas but also travel routes through the Rockies.
- Mountain passes like Loveland Pass, Wolf Creek Pass, and Rabbit Ears Pass could see major travel delays or closures.
- Highway I-70, a key route to ski resorts, is expected to have dangerous driving conditions with reduced visibility and slick roads.
- Chain laws may be enforced for commercial vehicles, and road closures due to avalanches or snowdrifts are possible.
If you must travel, be prepared for long delays, icy roads, and sudden changes in visibility. Keep an emergency kit with blankets, food, and water in your vehicle.
Safety Tips for Residents and Visitors
With the storm intensifying, officials are urging residents and tourists to take extra precautions:
- Avoid backcountry travel until avalanche danger decreases. Even small slopes can become deadly under these conditions.
- Check weather and road conditions before heading out. Visit the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) website for the latest updates.
- If skiing or snowboarding, stick to groomed trails at designated resorts, where avalanche mitigation is in place.
- Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle, including a flashlight, food, extra warm clothing, and a fully charged phone.
- Watch for power outages in mountain communities, as high winds and heavy snow could damage power lines.
What’s Next?
The storm is expected to weaken by Saturday evening, but snowy and icy conditions could persist well into Sunday as temperatures remain below freezing. Avalanche risks will also remain high for several days as the snow settles.
If you’re planning a weekend ski trip or mountain adventure, consider delaying your plans until conditions improve. Staying informed, exercising caution, and following weather alerts could make the difference between a fun winter weekend and a dangerous one.
