As the winter season approaches, Southern Colorado is finding itself facing severe shifts in weather conditions, resulting in multiple highway closures as snow falls throughout the region. This winter storm has caused a great deal of disruption and inconvenience for residents living in the area who are struggling to stay safe and warm during this unexpected snowfall. With icy roads and dangerous driving conditions, it’s essential to be informed about what’s happening around you regarding these highway closures so that you can avoid any potential danger before it starts.
Due to snowy weather and maintenance work, the Colorado Department of Transportation stated Monday that portions of U.S. Route 550, U.S. Route 160, and Colorado Highway 145 would be closed. For any of the affected routes, the agency could not provide a projected timing of reopening.
Just 1-2 inches more snow will accumulate in the area of Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins before Monday night at midnight. On the Eastern Plains, where it will last longer, some regions in the northeastern part of the state, like Julesburg, might receive 4 – 6 inches more snowfall.
On Monday, snow will continue to fall in the Colorado high country throughout the day and into the night. Along the I-70 mountain corridor, there will also be 1 to 5 inches worth of additional accumulation. When returning to the Front Range, everyone who spent the holiday weekend in the mountains will experience very slow traffic.
Up to a foot of snow, with locally higher totals, is forecast for most of the Colorado Rockies through Monday, and there are winter storm warnings in place. Through Tuesday morning, there is also a significant avalanche risk for the Front Range region. Overnight snowfall on the eastern plains and Denver contributed to a minor accumulation of snow throughout the metro area.
The mountainous section of U.S. 550 between Purgatory and Ouray has been shut down north of Durango. According to a news release, the closure was brought on by poor weather and a significant avalanche risk on the Coal Bank, Molas, and Red Mountain routes. A fence will stop travelers heading north near Cascade Creek to the north of Purgatory, and those heading south will run into a closed gate to the south of Ouray.
Due to the weather and significant avalanche risk, Wolf Creek Pass on U.S. 160 will be closed overnight. Eastbound traffic will be stopped close to Treasure Falls, while westbound traffic will be blocked about the west of the South Fork.
Around 6:30 a.m. on Monday, CDOT started performing winter maintenance on Colorado Highway 145 near Lizard Head Pass, south of Telluride. In order to proceed south, travelers must either stop three miles north of Rico at one closure or at another closure close to Ophir and Trout Lake. According to CDOT, the work will likely take up most of the morning.
Drivers in Southern Colorado should be aware of the potential for highway closures due to the snowy weather. The best way to stay current on conditions is to check the CDOT website or call 511 for updates. If you must travel, make sure you give yourself extra time and take it slow.
Drive to work this morning in a wintry mix and chilly fog. Roadways should be prepared for slippery circumstances. Up until 8 p.m., there is a winter weather alert in place. In the metro, accumulations have ranged from 2-4 inches, which is less than the storm last week.
Check the Weather News Today website or your local news station to stay updated on the latest weather news.
