Snow may finally be on its way to Southwest Colorado – just in time to catch travelers heading home from Thanksgiving.
After weeks of fickle forecasts raising the hopes of skiers and winter enthusiasts, this weekend’s projections show some promise, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
Meteorologist Matthew Aleksa said snow could arrive in the mountains by late Friday or early Saturday and continue through the weekend. But it’s too early to say how much snow will fall – or whether lower elevations will be impacted.
The National Weather Service forecasts a chance of snow showers on Sunday and Sunday night in Montezuma County, with a high of 40 degrees and a low of 22.
The forecast called for likely snow showers Sunday at Durango-La Plata County Airport, with a low around 20 degrees. A chance of snow continues through Monday.
Despite uncertainty about snow totals or exact locations, Aleksa said anyone planning to travel this weekend – especially over mountain passes – should prepare for winter weather and check forecasts to stay up-to-date.
Earlier in the week, conditions are expected to be more favorable. As of Tuesday, the NWS forecast cold, slightly windy conditions with highs in the 50s and no moisture projected from Wednesday morning through Friday afternoon.
Tony Vicari, director of aviation at the Durango-La Plata County Airport, said DRO is expecting heavy traffic over the holiday, and is preparing for possible winter weather impacts.
“We’re monitoring the weather and making our own preparations for snow removal operations here at the airport, so we’re prepared,” he said.
Vicari said travelers should arrive at the airport early – whether leaving from DRO or flying in from another airport – and monitor for any delays posted by airlines, both at DRO and at major connecting airports like Denver and Dallas.
Preparing for winter driving
For more information on driving safely in winter weather, visit www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/winter-preparedness
To keep up to date on road conditions and closures, visit COtrip.org or download the COtrip Planner app.
Lisa Schwantes, a spokeswoman for the Colorado Department of Transportation, said those planning to travel to or from their destinations by car should prepare for increased traffic and should be ready for possible winter weather driving conditions over the weekend.
Drivers should drive slowly, exercise caution around snow plows – including never passing them on the right – and keep essentials like water, a sleeping bag, snacks, a flashlight and device chargers in an emergency kit in their vehicle, she said.
Travelers should also ensure their vehicle checks off all safety requirements, Schwantes said – like fluids being at adequate levels, the gas tank being full and tire tread measuring at an appropriate level for safe driving – at least 3/16 inch.
CDOT further advised that drivers never drive impaired; clear vehicles of ice and snow before departing; switch to a lower gear when moving downhill; and only accelerate, turn or brake separately, as doing more than one of those actions at once in winter weather can cause slide-outs, spinouts and other harmful scenarios.
epond@durangoherald.com
