Winter Weather Advisories and Avalanche Warnings Hit Colorado US as Snow and Wind Create Treacherous Travel Conditions For Skiers Hikers and Travelers in The Mountains: Your Complete Travel Guide

Published on December 5, 2025

Winter weather warnings and avalanche warnings are in effect all over Colorado, US. Snowstorms and strong winds are about to make the state’s mountain areas very dangerous. Travelers, including skiers, hikers, and those traveling through mountain passes, are advised to remain informed and cautious due to the predicted 20 inches of snow and wind gusts of up to 55 mph. Travel is expected to be disrupted by these extreme weather conditions due to avalanche risks and dangerous road conditions, so it’s important to be ready for potential delays and hazards. This comprehensive travel guide will help you safely navigate the impending winter storm and enjoy Colorado’s snowy scenery to the fullest.

As the winter season settles in across Colorado, significant weather changes are expected to impact travel in various mountain regions. Winter weather advisories and storm warnings have been issued for several areas starting tonight, with a mix of snow accumulations and powerful wind gusts creating hazardous conditions, particularly in the mountain passes. Here’s a detailed look at the upcoming weather alerts and how they may affect travel plans.

Winter Weather Advisories and Snowfall Expectations

Beginning tonight, Winter Weather Advisories will be in effect for the Elkhead and Park Mountains, as well as Rabbit Ears Pass, with snow accumulations ranging between 4-8 inches. These advisories will run from 11 PM this evening to 5 PM Friday, with wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph. Travelers are advised to be cautious of slippery roads and limited visibility due to snowfall and blowing snow.

Rabbit Ears Pass will be particularly impacted by snow, with a sharp increase in accumulation starting at midnight. For those planning to travel through this area, be prepared for challenging road conditions and potential travel delays. The advisory for Rabbit Ears Pass will last until 11 PM Friday, with similar snow accumulation and wind gusts expected.

In addition to these warnings, new advisories will be issued on Friday, spanning through the weekend. The Upper Yampa River Basin will see snow accumulations between 4-12 inches, starting at 5 PM Friday and lasting until 11 PM Saturday. Snowfall will also spread across the Central Colorado River Basin, Grand and Battlement Mesas, and Lake County below 11,000 feet, with accumulations expected between 3-9 inches. The higher elevations on the Mesas and Lake County will receive the larger amounts.

Winter Storm Warnings: Areas of Concern

Winter Storm Warnings will go into effect on Friday evening, signaling the most intense part of the weather event. These warnings will affect the Flat Tops, Gore Mountains, Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, Elkhead Mountains, and Park Mountains. Snowfall in these areas is expected to range between 6-20 inches, with wind gusts pushing up to 45 mph, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions.

The second wave of Winter Storm Warnings will begin at 11 PM Friday and continue until 11 PM Saturday, affecting a wider range of regions, including the West Elk Mountains, Sawatch Mountains, Rocky Mountain National Park, and parts of Summit County, Mosquito Range, and Indian Peaks. This portion of the storm is expected to bring snow accumulations between 6-14 inches, with some areas, particularly around Rabbit Ears Pass, potentially seeing as much as 24 inches of snow. Winds in these areas may gust as high as 55 mph, further complicating travel conditions.

Avalanche Watch: Safety First in Backcountry Areas

In addition to the winter storm and weather advisories, an Avalanche Watch has been issued for the Park Range, effective from 4:30 PM Friday through 4:30 PM Sunday. With high snowfall rates and strong winds, the conditions are ripe for dangerous avalanches in the backcountry. Travelers planning to explore avalanche-prone terrain are advised to avoid these areas during the watch period.

Avalanche conditions could rapidly escalate, posing risks to those venturing into unprotected areas. It is crucial to stay informed about weather conditions, especially for those planning to explore the more remote mountainous regions of Colorado.

Timing of Snowfall: What to Expect

Snow is expected to begin falling around midnight tonight in the Elkhead and Park Mountains as well as Rabbit Ears Pass. As the night progresses, snow will gradually extend across the Continental Divide and Front Range, reaching its peak intensity on Friday evening. During this time, snow showers could spill into the valley areas, creating disruptions for travelers planning to journey through these regions.

By Friday night and into Saturday, the heaviest snowfall is expected in the mountains, with the snow beginning to taper off by late Saturday afternoon. However, snow could continue in the valleys on Saturday morning and potentially again in the evening.

Weather Outlook for the Next 24 Hours

Tonight’s weather will remain mostly clear with temperatures expected to dip into the mid-20s to low 30s by 7 PM. Temperatures will drop slightly further to the low to upper 20s by 9 PM, offering a glimpse of the colder conditions to come.

On Friday, the weather will be partly cloudy, with morning lows ranging from 16 degrees in Montrose to 28 degrees in Delta. Grand Junction will see a morning low of 22 degrees, while Cortez will experience the coldest temperatures of the day at 11 degrees. By midday, temperatures will rise to the low to mid-30s, offering a brief reprieve from the chill. The afternoon highs will hover between 36 and 43 degrees, with Grand Junction reaching a high of 39 degrees, and Cortez and Delta both expected to hit 40 degrees.

Impact on Travel and Safety Tips

Travelers planning to visit Colorado’s mountain regions in the coming days should prepare for significant delays due to snow accumulation and hazardous conditions. Whether heading to ski resorts or simply passing through the mountains, it is essential to check road conditions regularly. Winter tires, chains, and proper gear are highly recommended for those venturing into the affected areas. Always carry extra supplies, including blankets, food, and water, in case of road closures or delays.

Additionally, visitors should be mindful of avalanche warnings and refrain from venturing into backcountry areas without proper knowledge and safety precautions. Avalanche safety equipment is crucial for those exploring more isolated areas, and checking avalanche forecasts before heading out is a vital step in ensuring a safe trip.

Winter weather advisories and avalanche warnings are in effect across Colorado, US, as heavy snow and strong winds create dangerous conditions in mountain areas. Travelers, including skiers and hikers, should prepare for hazardous travel with snow accumulations up to 20 inches and wind gusts reaching 55 mph, making it crucial to stay informed and cautious.

As winter weather intensifies across Colorado, travelers should remain alert to changing conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure safe travel. With multiple advisories and storm warnings in effect, the mountains will experience a significant snowfall event. Whether heading to the slopes or driving through the mountain passes, staying informed and prepared will help you navigate the winter weather safely and make the most of your Colorado adventure.