A winter storm expected to drop more than a foot of snow starting Monday night had brought enough snow by 10 p.m. Monday for the Colorado Department of Transportation to put the chain law in effect on Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes on U.S. Highway 550.
A weather advisory is in effect in the San Juan Mountains for elevations above 9,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service.
Norv Larson, a meteorologist with weather service in Grand Junction, said the advisory is in effect until Wednesday afternoon for locations that include Silverton, Telluride and Rico, as well as U.S. Highway 550 and Coal Bank, Molas and Lizard Head passes.
During that time period, accumulations could reach 8 to 14 inches, with higher amounts above 10,000 feet. Elevations below 9,000 feet could see some snowfall.
The best chance for heavy snowfall is Monday night into Tuesday morning. Mountain passes are expected to be impacted, Larson said.
In Durango, there’s a 70 percent chance of precipitation, though that’s likely to remain as rain, Larson said.
“You’re right there in that sweet spot as far as precipitation type,” he said.
Mild temperatures and clear skies are expected to return Wednesday and Thursday. Another storm is forecast to move into the area Thursday night into Friday.
“We’ll have a chance for snow in the high country again,” Larson said. “It’s a bit out there. So, we don’t know right now how much.”
jromeo@durangoherald.com
