ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATIONAL PARK, Colo. — After only five days of reopening for the season, Colorado’s highest paved through road is closing Monday evening due to possible snowfall of up to 9 inches.
Trail Ridge Road will be closing at 6 p.m. Monday. The National Weather Service is forecasting that rain will be transitioning to snow around 5 p.m. with 8 to 9 inches above 10,000 feet, along with 25 mph winds and drifting snow.
At this time, it is unknown when the road will reopen, according to a release from Rocky Mountain National Park.
Trail Ridge Road opened for the summer season Thursday. Like almost every year, icy conditions persist days or even weeks after opening for the season, and due to rapid weather changes, it will often close for the night or day.
The same weather disturbance impacting Trail Ridge is expected to drop temperatures below freezing in the high country, so some accumulation is expected, even with some initial melting. Up to 2 inches is expected on Vail Pass. Rain is likely along the Front Range tonight.