Grand Junction, Colo. – A powerful spring storm is slamming western Colorado right now, dumping feet of snow in the high country and triggering multiple Winter Storm Warnings, High Wind warnings, and a rare Avalanche Warning for the Elk Mountains. The National Weather Service says some areas could see up to five feet of snow by Friday night, creating life-threatening conditions for anyone in the backcountry.
The heaviest snow is falling right now across the central and southern mountains, with Winter Storm Warnings in effect until 5 a.m. Thursday. The warning covers the Grand Mesa, Elk Mountains, San Juan Mountains, Park Range, Flat Tops, Gore Range, and most passes from Vail to Wolf Creek. Forecasters expect 10-20 inches widespread, with isolated totals topping 40-60 inches in favored spots like Crested Butte, Marble, and Wolf Creek Pass.
Where the Snow Will Hit Hardest
The latest model runs and spotter reports show these zones getting buried:
- Elk Mountains (Aspen, Crested Butte, Marble): 3-4 feet possible, locally higher
- San Juan Mountains (Telluride, Silverton, Wolf Creek Pass): 2-5 feet
- Grand Mesa summit: up to 2+ feet
- Vail Pass, Monarch Pass, Red Mountain Pass: 18-30 inches
- Continental Divide north of I-70: 8-18 inches
- Four Corners region (Durango, Cortez): 6-12 inches of heavy, wet snow
Lower valleys along I-70 and Highway 50 will mostly see rain turning to slushy snow Thursday night into Friday, with 1-4 inches possible around Grand Junction, Delta, and Montrose.
Winds Are Making It Worse
A Wind Advisory is up until 5 p.m. Wednesday for the entire Western Slope. Gusts have already hit 69 mph in Moab and 68 mph in Rifle Tuesday, and forecasters say 50-70 mph gusts will continue through the day. These winds will create areas of near-zero visibility in blowing snow and could bring down tree limbs and power lines in the valleys.
Avalanche Danger Hits Level 4 – “Large and Deadly Slides Likely”
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued an Avalanche Warning for the Elk Mountains and an Avalanche Watch for most other zones. Danger is rated HIGH (level 4 out of 5). Natural and human-triggered avalanches are likely on slopes steeper than 30 degrees.
Travel in the backcountry is strongly discouraged. Even popular ski areas are closing upper lifts and doing aggressive avalanche control work. One slide already ran naturally near Crested Butte Tuesday night, and experts say the risk will stay elevated through Friday.
Travel Will Be Brutal Through Friday
CDOT crews are working around the clock, but many high passes will see periods of closure or extreme delays:
- Red Mountain Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Lizard Head Pass: likely closed at times
- Monarch Pass: heavy snow and 60+ mph gusts
- Vail Pass and Eisenhower Tunnel: chain laws and safety closures expected
- I-70 west of Denver: heavy snow north of the highway Thursday night-Friday
If you must travel, carry extra food, water, blankets, and a full charge on your phone. Mountain travel could become impossible Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.
The storm finally pushes out Friday night. Sunshine returns this weekend with highs rebounding into the 50s in the valleys by Sunday.
This late-season blockbuster is a stark reminder that winter isn’t done with Colorado yet. Skiers and riders are celebrating the massive refresh, but the danger is real for anyone venturing into the high country. Stay safe out there, check CDOT and CAIC updates before you go anywhere, and let’s hope everyone makes it through this one without tragedy.
What’s your plan for the storm? Are you stuck at home or chasing powder? Drop your thoughts below and tag #COwx if you’re posting photos – just stay out of avalanche terrain.
