t’s already that time of year. Colorado weather’s about to change– a lot…
(Winter Arrives vxr 1 :34)
Temperatures started dropping Thursday, in advance of a huge change, and essentially instant winter coming for a lot of the state. Multiple cold fronts coming through last night, today, and tomorrow will dramatically change things. Winter weather advisories are already out for the high country, where Steamboat Springs, Aspen, and Vail could each get more than a foot of snow by early Sunday. The front range Denver area might see some snowfall beginning tonight as well, but not nearly that much, just a few inches. At noon today, CDOT is closing narrow, dangerous Independence Pass between Aspen and Twin Lakes on state Highway 82 as a precaution, before its full-season closure that comes later next month.
(Winter Arrives vxr 2 :36)
Winter storm watches are already up for much of the mountains, and some are expected to remain in place through Sunday in places including Steamboat Springs, Aspen, Crested Butte, and Vail. 8 to 18 inches of snow are expected across wide areas, and with gusty winds driving a lot of that snow, travel will suddenly become very difficult. If you’re planning on heading to the high country now and through the weekend, please keep an eye out for those dangerous and difficult conditions. Winter Park and Vail could get as much as a foot according to projections, maybe 11 inches in Leadville, 8 around Aspen. Some snow’s expected to move into the Denver area Saturday ‘til Sunday as well, with perhaps up to 4 inches, ending around the time the Broncos-Chiefs game starts Sunday afternoon.