Grand Junction, Colo. – A strong Pacific storm system will slam into Western Colorado starting Wednesday morning, bringing valley rain and the first significant mountain snow of the season. The moisture is badly needed after a dry fall, but it will create tricky travel conditions on the high passes and could deliver up to 10 inches of snow on the Grand Mesa and Elk Mountains.
The heaviest precipitation arrives between 6 a.m. and noon Wednesday, with the best chance for valley rain coming Wednesday night into early Thursday. Meteorologists say warm afternoon temperatures and possible downslope winds off the mountains could limit rain in lower elevations to just scattered showers during the day.
How Much Snow Are the Mountains Getting?
The higher elevations will take the biggest hit.
National Weather Service forecasters say the Grand Mesa, Park Range, and Elk Mountains are favored for 5-10 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible above 9,500 feet. The San Juan Mountains look to pick up a lighter 1-4 inches, though isolated peaks could still see up to 8-10 inches.
Lower mountain valleys and areas south of I-70 will likely stay in the 2-6 inch range.
Snow levels will start around 7,500-8,000 feet Wednesday morning and gradually lower to near 6,500 feet by Thursday morning. That means places like Montrose, Delta, and Cortez should stay mostly rain, while Telluride, Crested Butte, and Aspen flip to snow by Wednesday evening.
Valley rain totals will be light – generally under 0.10 inch in Grand Junction and Delta, with up to 0.25 inch possible in spots that catch the heavier bands overnight.
Travel Impacts: I-70 and High Passes
Colorado Department of Transportation crews are already pre-treating roads Tuesday night.
The biggest concern is Vail Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass, and Monarch Pass Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning. Wet snow and lowering visibility could slow traffic significantly, especially for semis and vehicles without all-season tires.
CDOT says traction laws and passenger vehicle chain laws are possible on sections of I-70 over the Continental Divide. Motorists heading to the Front Range or Denver should plan extra time or consider delaying travel until Thursday afternoon when conditions improve.
Locally, Highway 50 over Monarch and Highway 550 through the San Juans will also see accumulating snow above 8,000 feet.
Tuesday Stay Dry, Wednesday Night Turns Wet
Tuesday will be the calm before the storm – mostly cloudy but dry across the Western Slope.
Afternoon highs will climb into the mid-to-upper 50s:
- Grand Junction: 58°
- Delta: 61°
- Montrose: 56°
- Cortez: 59°
- Moab: 65°
Overnight lows dip into the low-to-mid 30s, with some upper 20s in the colder pockets around Cortez and Dove Creek.
Wednesday starts mild again, but clouds thicken quickly. The first showers reach the northern mountains by sunrise, spreading south through the day.
Why This Storm Matters
Western Colorado has been running 2-4 inches below normal on precipitation since October 1. This system will deliver the first widespread moisture in weeks and give ski resorts their earliest meaningful base in several years.
Loveland and Arapahoe Basin could open additional terrain by the weekend if the snow sticks at higher elevations. Wolf Creek may see enough new snow to consider an early opening.
For farmers and ranchers finishing fall work, the moisture is welcome even if it slows fieldwork for a day or two.
The storm clears out Thursday afternoon with sunshine returning by Friday. Highs rebound to the low 60s this weekend under dry skies – perfect fall weather before the next system arrives early next week.
Stay weather-aware if you have travel plans Wednesday or Thursday. Keep tires in good shape, carry extra warm clothes, and check CDOT and NWS updates before heading over the passes.
What do you think about this early taste of winter? Are you excited for the snow or dreading the drive? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, and stay safe out there, Western Colorado.
