Weekend snowfall expected in Colorado’s high country

Travel Advisory

Dec. 27, 2024 - Colorado - Skier traffic will create congestion on the I-70 Mountain Corridor

Colorado — Wintry weather is expected to beckon skiers into Colorado’s high country. Moderate amounts of snow will fall across higher elevations in northern and western Colorado through the weekend and into Monday. Colorado Department of Transportation officials urge travelers to be prepared for waves of snowfall that will likely cause difficult driving conditions particularly after dark, when highway pavement temperatures are the coldest. Drivers should also be prepared for gusty mountain winds that will cause blowing snow and reduced visibility.

Motorists should plan ahead, and check the weather and road conditions on COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app before going out. Peak congestion will be encountered along the Interstate-70 Mountain Corridor especially westbound in the mornings, between 7 and 10 a.m. and then eastbound in the evenings, between 3 and 6 p.m. With anticipated nighttime surface temperatures, drivers are encouraged to avoid or limit travel after dark and be winter-ready. Vehicles should be equipped with appropriate winter tires and adequate tread. Emergency kits should include blankets, extra clothing, food, water, a flashlight, chargers, batteries and a shovel.

CDOT reminds commercial vehicle drivers that it is imperative that their big rigs are chained-up when traction laws are implemented.

Map indicating roadway impacts due to winter weather, December 27 to 29.
Map indicating roadway impacts due to winter weather, December 27 to 29.

Map indicating snow accumulations for Saturday, Dec. 28.
Map indicating snow accumulations for Saturday, Dec. 28.

Map indicating snow accumulations for Sunday, Dec. 29.
Map indicating snow accumulations for Sunday, Dec. 29.

Winter Travel Tips for Motorists

  • Access winter driving tips and resources: Winter Wise
  • Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts and blowing snow due to strong winds
  • Work from home if you can
  • If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (review info sources below)
  • Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.
  • Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance
  • Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snow plows

Safety Closures

A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

Chain & Traction Laws

When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. For more information on the Commercial Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/colorado-chain-law. To learn more and view helpful tips for winter driving, visit winter.codot.gov.

COtrip.org & COtrip Planner App

If motorists must head out during this winter storm, they are urged to visit COtrip.org and download the COtrip Planner app ahead of time. Motorists are now able to sign up for travel alerts through COtrip.org to check if there are any highway closures or impacts along their favorite routes. The COtrip Planner app also offers a “Trip Planner” feature that allows motorists to map out their routes and receive updates about road closures or incidents along the way. Motorists can turn on the “Hands-Free, Eyes Free” feature to receive these alerts via voice notifications and avoid routes with impacts.

The free COtrip Planner mobile app was designed to meet the growing trend of information on mobile and tablet devices for the traveling public. The COtrip Planner app provides statewide, real-time traffic information, and works on mobile devices that operate on the iOS and Android platforms. Visit the Google Play Store (Android devices) or the Apple Store (iOS devices) to download

Know Before You Go

Travelers are urged to “know before you go.” Gather information about weather forecasts and anticipated travel impacts and current road conditions prior to hitting the road. CDOT resources include: