DENVER, COLORADO – A major winter storm is expected to impact northeast and central Colorado through Tuesday, bringing heavy snow, high winds, and possible blizzard conditions, particularly on the eastern plains and at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).
Mountain Areas Under Winter Storm Warnings
The storm is forecast to bring 8 to 16 inches of snow to high-elevation areas, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass, the Indian Peaks, and Summit County, with wind gusts up to 65 mph making travel difficult. The Snowy and Sierra Madre Ranges in southern Wyoming are also expected to see up to 12 inches of snow and blowing snow that will significantly reduce visibility.
In Teller County and the Pikes Peak region, snowfall totals of 5 to 12 inches are possible, with whiteout conditions and treacherous travel expected overnight and into Tuesday. The NWS Pueblo warns that commutes on Tuesday morning could be particularly dangerous due to low visibility and slick roads.
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Blizzard Conditions Likely on the Eastern Plains
Strong north winds will develop Monday night, with gusts reaching 60 to 70 mph on the eastern plains. This will create blizzard conditions south and east of Denver, including parts of Elbert, Lincoln, and Washington counties, where snowfall totals could reach 4 to 12 inches.
Denver is likely to see a sharp gradient in snowfall, with little accumulation on the northwest side but up to 6 inches in the southeastern parts of the metro area. A band of heavy snow is expected overnight, which could briefly create dangerous travel conditions in the city.
Strong Winds to Persist Through Tuesday
Even after snowfall decreases, strong winds will continue into Tuesday afternoon, causing blowing and drifting snow and keeping road conditions hazardous, especially east of I-25. Gusts could reach 50 to 70 mph on the plains, and 40 to 50 mph in the mountains and foothills.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Travel Impacts and Safety Precautions
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) advises travelers to check road conditions at COTrip.org and avoid travel in affected areas if possible. Those who must drive should carry emergency winter supplies, including food, water, blankets, and a flashlight in case of road closures or delays.
Residents in high wind areas should secure outdoor items and prepare for potential power outages. Motorists on I-25, I-70, and I-76 should use extreme caution, as visibility could drop quickly due to blowing snow.
Conditions will begin to improve by Wednesday, with warmer and drier weather expected, but another storm system could bring additional snowfall and colder temperatures later in the week.
For the latest updates, visit the National Weather Service Denver/Boulder website or call 511 for statewide road conditions.
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