The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for the San Juan Mountains, including the towns of Silverton, Telluride, Ouray and Hesperus, with up to a foot of snow expected at elevations above 7,000 feet.
As of 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Colorado Department of Transportation issued traction and chain laws for Molas and Red Mountain passes, requiring vehicles to be equipped with chains or alternative traction devices.
Snow could continue through Sunday morning.
In light of the storm, CDOT urges those traveling in the high country to be equipped for snowy weather and be prepared for the possibility of road closures.
CDOT spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes said the U.S. Highway 550 corridor north of Durango, including Red Mountain, Coal Bank and Molas passes, is likely to bear the brunt of the storm.
“It looks like we are going to see a strong, swift and impactful storm,” she said. “Around 6 p.m., things should really start to intensify.”
Motorists should be aware that failing to adhere to either traction or chain law could result in a $130 fine. Vehicles blocking the road without proper equipment could be fined more than $650.
For more information and to check travel alerts, visit http://cotrip.org.
mrupani@durangoherald.com
Travel information
The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists to check for updated weather information:
Visit
for real-time road conditions, highway closures, average speeds, photos, live cameras streaming traffic, trucking information and more.
Call 511 to listen to recorded information about road conditions, projected trip travel times and trucker information.
Receive free email/text alerts at
; choose from a list of subscription options at the “get connected” tab.
Follow @coloradodot on Twitter for traveler information and other news.
Like CDOT at
to receive news and traveler information.
Visit
www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving
to get information about road conditions, what to keep in a vehicle during the winter, how to safely pass a snowplow, commercial-vehicle requirements, seasonal closures, snow removal and avalanche control.
Herald Staff
