A winter storm warning remains in effect through midnight, and snow is expected into early Monday in Southwest Colorado.
Snowfall and blowing snow made travel was difficult in the San Juan Mountains, and icy at lower elevations including Montezuma County.
“We had expected a little more (snow) overnight, but the storm refocused to the south. You should expect snow during the afternoon and the evening in Durango and Southwest Colorado,” said Dennis Phillips, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
La Plata County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Steve Reiter reported La Plata County roads were still in good condition as of 10 a.m. Sunday, with light snow falling on and off in Durango.
The Front Hill to Fort Lewis College was closed Sunday. Those going to the performance of the “Nutcracker” by the State Street Ballet of Santa Barbara should use the College Drive access to campus.
The National Weather Service is expecting up to 2 inches from the storm in Durango and Cortez. Pagosa Springs could see 4 inches. Silverton and Telluride could see 5 inches during the day and another 3 inches Sunday night.
The winter storm warning covers the towns of Hesperus, Lake City, Ouray, Rico, Silverton and Telluride.
As of Sunday morning, the Colorado Department of Transportation COtrip Travel Alerts reports chains or alternative traction devices are required for commercial vehicles and busses on Coal Bank, Molas and Red Mountain passes on U.S. Highway 550.
Also as of Sunday morning, Purgatory Resort is reporting 5 inches of new snow in the last 24 hours with a 37-inch base. The resort is 100% open.
Wolf Creek Ski Area is reporting 9 inches in the last 24 hours with a midway base of 48 inches with the mountain fully open.
Telluride Ski Resort reports 4 inches of new snow with a 34-inch base with 10 of 14 lifts open.
Skiers might want to enjoy the fresh powder. The next chance for snow in the San Juan Mountains will be Christmas Eve, said Phillips.
A high-pressure system will move over the Four Corners for the next week, he said.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
Travel information
The Colorado Department of Transportation reminds motorists to check for updated weather information:
Visit
for real-time road conditions, highway closures, average speeds, photos, live cameras streaming traffic, trucking information and more.
Call 511 to listen to recorded information about road conditions, projected trip travel times and trucker information.
Receive free email/text alerts at
; choose from a list of subscription options at the “get connected” tab.
Follow @coloradodot on Twitter for traveler information and other news.
Like CDOT at
to receive news and traveler information.
Visit
www.codot.gov/travel/winter-driving
to get information about road conditions, what to keep in a vehicle during the winter, how to safely pass a snowplow, commercial-vehicle requirements, seasonal closures, snow removal and avalanche control.
Herald Staff
