A winter storm warning has been issued beginning at 5 a.m. Wednesday through 5 a.m. Friday for much of Southwest Colorado as well as the north-central part of the state.
The warning includes Hesperus, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride and Ridgway.
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction expects a 70 to 80 percent chance of snow late Wednesday through early Thursday in Durango, and intermittent snow through early Friday. The storm is expected to move out of Southwest Colorado on Friday afternoon.
The storm could bring 15 to 30 inches of snow to the mountains, the weather service said.
Winds of 10-20 miles per hour with gusts up to 45 mph are likely to mean blowing snow and poor visibility.
Tuesday night, the Colorado Department of Transportation warned motorists that up to 2 feet of snow could fall in the southern San Juan Mountains by Thursday, and consequently avalanche control work would be necessary.
“This will be a lengthy event, lasting more than two days for much of Colorado. Travelers will need to be prepared with adequate snow tires or other traction devices,” said Kyle Lester, CDOT director of highway maintenance.
The cold and snow is expected to impact a wide swath in the state, including the Front Range.
On Tuesday, Denver cancelled the annual parade of cowboys and cattle through downtown that kicks off the National Western Stock Show because of expected frigid weather and snow.
With the temperature forecast to only reach 6 degrees at noon on Thursday, parade organizers say the risk of injury to animals and to people is too great to continue with the tradition, the Associated Press reported. The parade won’t be rescheduled.
Between five and 10 inches of snow are also expected to fall in an around Denver between Wednesday and Friday.
The CDOT travel warning was statewide, and commercial drivers were advised to be equipped with chains in mountainous areas.
The CDOT road crews were on avalanche control along U.S. Highway 550 Tuesday morning starting on Coal Bank Pass and working toward the northern side of Molas Pass, spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes said.
“There have been intermittent delays on 550, and we anticipate heavy snowfall tonight,” Schwantes said.
Chain laws for commercial vehicles were in effect late Tuesday on Coal Bank and Molas passes. Chain laws also are in effect on U.S. Highway 160 at Wolf Creek Pass.
