Travel conditions nearing treacherous levels are anticipated at times along Interstate 70 due to multiple waves of snow affecting the Colorado mountains.
Intermittent snow showers are expected over the weekend and possibly into early next week in the mountainous areas. This coincides with the peak period for skiing, as many will be welcoming the new year at the ski areas. The surge in traffic on I-70, combined with over a foot of snowfall in some regions, is likely to cause challenging travel conditions until Monday.
CBS
The latest prediction indicates that up to 1.5 feet of snow may fall across sections of I-70. This is fantastic news for ski resorts, as snowfall has been particularly sparse this month, but unfortunate for those traveling. Conditions are expected to worsen from Georgetown to Glenwood Springs, a 113-mile segment of the key interstate.
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The most severely affected regions will be the Eisenhower Tunnel and Vail Pass, both of which are expected to receive between 12 to 18 inches of snow. Wind gusts may also exceed 50 mph at times.
CBS
Ongoing snowfall combined with blowing snow will lead to significantly restricted visibility on Friday afternoon and evening.
Meanwhile, while these conditions unfold across the mountains, Denver is expected to remain mild and dry, with temperatures reaching the 50s and 60s over the weekend.