The National Weather Service in Grand Junction issued a winter storm warning Tuesday that holds the largest predicted snow totals for a single storm so far this winter in Southwest Colorado.
The winter storm warning took effect at 5 p.m. Tuesday and will last until 5 a.m. Thursday. During this time, the weather service says up to 24 inches could fall in the high elevation of the San Juan Mountains.
Areas include Silverton, Hesperus, Rico, Ouray, Lake City and Telluride.
Snow will continue over mtns in SW flow, intensifying and becoming widespread overnight. Winter storm warning in effect until 5 am Thurs. pic.twitter.com/3t5ic6r1on
— NWS Grand Junction (@NWSGJT) February 5, 2019
Twenty-four inches is the high end of the prediction; the weather service says areas in the mountains could receive 10 to 24 inches of snow.
Wind gusts are also expected to reach as high as 50 mph.
"Travel could become very difficult at times," the NWS wrote. "Heavy snow rates and blowing snow could significantly reduce visibility at times. Icy to snowpacked roads would also significantly reduce traction."
If the snow arrives in Southwest Colorado as expected, an avalanche watch will take effect for the San Juans.
"Expect a heavy snow load on a weak snowpack beginning late Tuesday and continuing through Wednesday," the NWS said. "The avalanche danger will rise rapidly. Avalanches will be large, easy to trigger and will release naturally."
AVALANCHE WATCH for #CAICaspen #CAICgunnison #CAICgrandmesa #CAICnsanjuan #CAICssanjuan. Storm continues to pump moisture into the Central & Southern Mtns. If it stays on track, we may reach HIGH(4of5) by Wednesday. Check https://t.co/E7yJWqyZwj before you go into the backcountry pic.twitter.com/fMU1gRl6ij
— CAIC:Statewide Info (@COAvalancheInfo) February 5, 2019
In Durango, best chance for snow accumulation was Tuesday night into Wednesday, when 1 to 3 inches was forecast. Then, on Wednesday, the weather service says another 1 to 3 inches is possible throughout the day.
The rest of the week, and into the weekend, is expected to be sunny and clear with highs near 40 degrees in Durango.
Travel information
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Herald Staff
