Heavy snow in the mountains complicated travel tonight, with westbound Interstate 70 closed near Silverthorne for nearly two and half hours after a nine-vehicle accident.
The weather-related traffic crash snarled the interstate, but icy patches, packed snow and chain laws have been constant companions to the route after two days of steady snowfall, according to the Colorado Department of Transportation. No injuries were reported in the accident.
A winter storm warning blanketed the Western Slope tonight. Loveland Pass was closed overnight.
At least 6 inches of snow was expected overnight with skies at the Continental Divide finally clearing on Tuesday, said Frank Benton of the National Weather Service Office in Boulder.
Temperatures across the state will rise over the next few days, reaching the 50s on Wednesday and the 60s by the weekend.
“Heat wave, heat wave,” Benton said.
Snow is out of the forecast in the mountains and the city until Saturday, when there’s a 20 percent overnight possibility.
Tonight, Denver is expected to get only 1 to 3 inches of snow, so CDOT crews planned to spot-treat troublesome bridges and overpasses with de-icer, said spokesman Mark Aultman.
Denver’s suburbs, especially on the south, could get up to 5 inches, according to the weather service.
Snow showers in the Denver metro area should taper off sometime after 11 a.m. Tuesday, and the high temperature should be about 46 degrees.
Skies in Denver on Wednesday should be mostly sunny and area high temperatures should climb into the mid-50s, according to the weather service.
Mountain snows are expected to continue through tonight and the forecast for Vail calls for up to 4 inches today and 3 inches tonight, according to the National Weather Service.
Heavy snows in southwestern Colorado and winds up to 50 mph at elevations above 10,000 feet are expected, the weather service said. Wind-whipped snow will cause zero visibilities at times.
Storm totals in some areas of the San Juan Mountains in southwestern Colorado could reach 20 inches by the storm’s end.
Snow totals in the past 24 hours include 15 inches at Crested Butte, 14 inches at Aspen Highlands and 10 inches at Telluride, according to Colorado Ski Country USA.
Snow showers in the Denver metro area should taper off sometime after 11 a.m. Tuesday, and the high temperature should be about 46 degrees.
Skies in Denver on Wednesday should be mostly sunny and area high temperatures should climb into the mid-50s, according to the weather service.
