A spring storm expected to roll in early Wednesday is forecast to bring high winds and blowing snow to Southwest Colorado.
The moisture is expected to arrive early Wednesday, which will include a chance of rain and snow, said Chris Sanders, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service.
“Durango could get a dusting or a trace” of snow, he said.
Elevations above 7,500 feet are expected to receive 6 to 12 inches of snow, he said. The portion of the San Juan Mountain range near Silverton and Red Mountain Pass could see 8 to 16 inches of snow, he said.
Wind gusts could reach 40 to 50 mph in the mountain valleys, he said.
Regional travel is likely to be affected during the storm.
“Significant snow accumulations at higher elevations will make travel difficult especially over mountain passes,” according to a news release from the Colorado Department of Transportation. “Snow squalls with heavy bands of moisture, high winds and blowing snow will reduce visibility at times.”
The storm is expected to wind down late Wednesday, with sunny skies likely to return Thursday, according to the NWS.
Another storm is expected to move into the region Friday, but the path of the storm is uncertain, Sanders said.
mshinn@durangoherald.com
