A winter storm is on its way that could bring up to a foot of snow to the high country of Southwest Colorado, according to the National Weather Service.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Monday to 11 p.m. Tuesday as moderate to at times heavy snow is expected to fall at elevations above 9,500 feet, with winds reaching 45 miles per hour.
The National Weather Service said the storm should reach the region Monday night. The heaviest snow will fall above 9,500 feet, with 5 to 10 inches of snowfall possible.
At elevations above 10,000 feet, the National Weather Service said snow totals could be as much as 12 inches.
Roadways are expected to be significantly impacted, which are predicted to be wet to snowpacked, especially during the overnight hours. Visibility is expected to be reduced to a half mile because of blowing and drifting snow associated with high winds.
The National Weather Service listed the northwest and southwest San Juan Mountains in its winter advisory, including the towns of Hesperus, Silverton, Ouray, Telluride, Rico and Lake City.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
