A winter storm warning has been issued for early Monday until 6 a.m. Tuesday for high-country towns including Silverton, Hesperus, Ouray and Telluride, according to the National Weather Service.
“Significant snowfall will begin Monday and will continue through Tuesday morning,” the weather service said. The warning period begins at 6 a.m.; light snow was falling Sunday throughout much of Southwest Colorado.
The Weather Service estimates 8 to 16 inches could fall as a result of the incoming storm, in what as known as a “Pineapple Express,” which originate on the Pacific Coast. Other towns included in the winter storm warning include Ridgway, Glade Park, Lake City and Rico.
The snow is expected at elevations around 8,500 feet Sunday into Monday, then hit elevations around 7,000 feet Monday night. Winds are expected to be 15 to 25 miles per hour out of the southwest, with gusts up to 40 mph.
“Heavy snow and blowing snow will result in hazardous winter driving conditions stemming from slick and snow-packed roads with significantly reduced visibilities,” the weather service said.
In Durango, meteorologist Norv Larson said there could be 3 to 6 inches of snowfall, largely dependent on whether temperatures drop.
“If it warms up, it will seriously cut into those values,” Larson said. “You guys are always dangling right there at those critical temperatures, at least this year so far.”
A winter storm warning was in effect Sunday for much of the north-central part of Colorado, extending to Tuesday morning. A high wind watch was issued for the Front Range beginning Sunday night.
