Blizzard conditions expected tonight through Tuesday on the Eastern Plains and Palmer Divide and heavy snow in the mountains

Travel Advisory

March 3, 2025 - Colorado - This storm will bring dangerously high winds and hazardous driving conditions

Colorado — Winter will pack a heavy punch for much of the Eastern Plains, and along the Interstate 25 corridor at the Palmer Divide with blizzard conditions, beginning tonight and lasting through tomorrow. Winds gusting up to 70 mph on the Eastern Plains will create major issues for high-profile vehicles. Numerous safety closures are likely over the plains.

Moderate to heavy snow is also expected along the I-70 Mountain Corridor from Vail Pass to the Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial Tunnels, mainly tonight. Winds will also be gusty, but not as strong on the plains. Heavy snow, with accumulations of up to 17 inches and gusts as high as 50 mph, will affect the mountain passes. Snow accumulation may require avalanche mitigation tomorrow or later in the week.

Travel over the Palmer Divide and, to a lesser extent, Raton Mesa after sundown and overnight will be heavily impacted by blowing and drifting snow. These impacts will shift eastward as the sun comes up, though strong winds on the Palmer Divide’s south slopes will likely cause blowing and drifting of the overnight snow, impacting I-25 visibility during Tuesday morning’s commute.

Heavy blowing and drifting snow will make travel near impossible on east-west oriented highways in the north and central plains tomorrow morning. Heavy northerly wind impacts will continue everywhere through Tuesday, ending from west to east after the sun goes down.

Adverse conditions will be well outside of the Denver area by the time the commute starts Tuesday morning, March 4, but motorists coming south, west and east of the metro area may be impacted.

Colorado Department of Transportation crews will be out in force:

CDOT crews will be deployed throughout the storm clearing and treating roads. In working with law enforcement, they will close roads as needed for the safety of motorists should visibility be too poor to drive. Closures also help crews to plow and clear roads quicker.

Even with plowing efforts, road conditions will be hazardous.

CDOT will make an operational change should a closure of eastbound I-70 leaving the Denver metro area become necessary. While similar closures have normally held traffic at Airport Boulevard, this closure point will shift further east to the town of Bennet. This will allow semi trucks to access nearby parking and services.

What do motorists need to know?

  • Avoid travel during the brunt of the storm beginning tonight through tomorrow in the Eastern Plains, along I-25 at the Palmer Divide and on the I-70 Mountain Corridor and mountain passes
  • It is very likely that roads could close on the Eastern Plains due to blizzard conditions - these closures would be necessary to prevent motorists from getting stranded in their vehicles
  • High profile vehicles are at risk driving in gusty winds; A big gust can force a truck, trailer or light-weighing vehicle suddenly into another lane or cause a rollover
  • If you must be out during blizzard conditions, prepare for the possibility of road closures in impacted areas
  • Have an emergency kit with blankets, food, water and batteries.
  • Drive to the conditions - take it slow and leave plenty of following distance
  • Your vehicle must have snow tires or tires with at least 3/16” of a tread
  • Don’t pass plows
  • Monitor the weather and check COtrip.org before heading out
National Weather Service Snowfall Accumulation Map March 3 to March 4, 2025
Weather map showing snow accumulations statewide

National Weather Service Maximum Wind Gusts Map March 3 to March 4, 2025
Weather map showing wind gusts across the state

    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 freight.colorado.gov/mountain-rules/chain-up-tips. 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 see 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: