A chain and traction law was issued late Sunday on Coal Bank and Molas passes north of Durango as a winter storm moves in.
All commercial vehicles must use chains or alternative traction devices, including buses and vans of 16-plus capacity. Passenger vehicles must have snow tires, use chains or alternative traction devices, or have four wheel drive.
A chain law is in effect for commercial vehicles traveling over Wolf Creek Pass. No over-sized loads are allowed over the pass.
A winter weather advisory is effect for the high country around Durango from 2 p.m. Sunday until noon Monday.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction said snow is expected to begin in the high country Sunday afternoon and accumulate through Monday afternoon, with the chance for heaviest snowfall from midnight through 9 a.m.
Anywhere from 4 to 8 inches is expected for elevations above 8,500 feet. Locations include Hesperus, Lake City, Ouray Rico, Silverton and Telluride.
Winds are also expected to blow between 25 to 35 mph, with gusts up to 45 miles per hour.
Above 10,000 feet, some winds could reach 55 miles per hour, according to the weather service forecast.
“Travel conditions will be hazardous,” according to weather service winter weather advisory. “Visibility (will be) reduced to one mile or less in snow and blowing snow. Expect brief whiteout conditions.”
In Durango, a wind advisory is in effect from 8 p.m. Sunday until 3 a.m. Monday, with winds expected to be 25 to 35 miles per hour, and gusts up to 55 miles per hour.
“Winds will begin to increase Sunday evening as the cold front approaches,” according to the weather service wind advisory.
According to the weather service, a 30 to 50 percent chance of scattered rain and snow showers exists in Durango through Monday afternoon.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
