The calendar may show it’s spring, but a late March snowstorm has brought winter back to the high country and rain to lower elevations.
Just before 2 p.m. Thursday, the chain law was put into in effect on Coal Bank and Molas passes, and later on Red Mountain Pass. Commercial vehicles must have chains or alternative traction devices, and passenger vehicles are required to have snow or mud/snow tires, use chains or have a four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicle.
The passes on U.S. Highway 550 north of Durango were reporting snow, icy and snow-packed conditions.
The Colorado Department of Transportation camera in Silverton was showing snow falling, and the Grand Imperial Hotel reported that the town experienced a power outage earlier in the day, but power had been restored by 2:15 p.m.
A winter weather advisory is in effect for the San Juan Mountains through 9 a.m. Friday, including the towns of Telluride, Ouray, Lake City, Silverton, Rico and Hesperus.
The southwest corner of the state is not the only part of the state reprising winter. The National Weather Service has announced a blizzard warning for the area between Denver and Colorado Springs as far east as the Limon area. Snow and rain are expected in the Metro area.
abutler@durangoherald.com
