DENVER — A winter storm will bring snow to much of Colorado this weekend with winter storm watches and warnings already in effect; mountain roads are likely to see increasing numbers of closures into Sunday morning.
Denver and the eastern plains will be cold Sunday morning, with snow continuing throughout the day. Sunday's high temperature will only reach 13 degrees with a wind chill factor of -6. A Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for the entire I-25 corridor through Sunday mid-morning.
Winter Storm Warnings have also been posted for the mountains through Monday morning. Snowfall may exceed two feet in the mountains over the weekend as a series of storm systems pour in from the West Coast.
In Denver and along the I-25 corridor, between 3 and 8 inches of snow is currently forecast through Sunday, with 6 to 12 inches forecast in the foothills.
Highs will only be in the teens on Sunday, with lows Sunday night dipping near 0 degrees. Mountain temperatures will be similar, with winds in the 10 to 20 mph range that could gust to up to 50 mph in some places.
Below you can find live updates on weather and traffic conditions, along with photos and videos of the storm as it moves through the mountains over the weekend.
LINKS: Forecast | Radar | Traffic| Weather Page | Snow totals
10:10 p.m.: Watch in the video player above for the latest forecast heading into Monday morning. We'll be monitoring any closures or delays into the morning here.
9:54 p.m.: Here's a look at the avalanche that temporarily shut down I-70 late this afternoon.
Snow debris from Avalanche slide today on I-70 #SumCo pic.twitter.com/0dBmiFnEoU
— SCSOPIO (@SummitSheriffCO) March 4, 2019
6 p.m.: A Colorado State Patrol spokesman confirms to Denver7 there are no people trapped or injured following two avalanches in Eagle and Summit counties. More on that story here.
5:55 p.m.: I-70 is now closed from Edwards to Frisco due to avalanche risk and adverse weather conditions. on the mountain corridor, CDOT says. No estimated time of reopening.
I-70 NOW CLOSED FROM EDWARDS TO FRISCO. Avalanche risk & adverse road and weather conditions on the Mt Corridor. Teams are assessing now. NO ETO. Check https://t.co/uOU0HHtweG and social media posts for up-to-date information.
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 4, 2019
CMV restriction at Exit 133 EB. pic.twitter.com/tQb55q2wda
5:04 p.m: EB I-70 is closed at Vail due a secondary avalanche in Summity County, CSP Eagle says. WB I-70 is closed at Frisco.
I-70 EB is CLOSED at Vail due to Avalanche in Summit County. I-70 WB is CLOSED at Frisco. @SummitSheriffCO @SummitSheriffCO
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) March 4, 2019
5:01 p.m: I-70 is closed between Frisco and Copper Mountain due to an avalanche. CSP - Eagle officials say there are reports of people trapped in the debris at mile marker 197. We're working to learn more.
#BREAKING I-70 CLOSED between Frisco and Copper Mountain due to AVALANCHE. Reports of parties trapped in avalanche at MP 197. #COtraffic @CSP_News pic.twitter.com/1mBPjEWIip
— CSP Eagle (@CSP_Eagle) March 4, 2019
4:45 p.m.: When will it stop snowing in the Denver metro? First Alert Weather Meteorologist Stacey Donaldson gives the timing and what you can expect for the rest of the night as well as for your morning commute:
4:25 p.m.: US 40 is closed in both directions between Robins Roost and mile marker 249, according to CDOT.
US 40 EB/WB: Adverse weather between Robins Roost and MM 249. Full closure. West side of Berthoud Pass closed
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 3, 2019
4:08 p.m.: Loveland Pass is closed due to adverse conditions, CDOT says.
3:13 p.m: EB I-70 is closed at Silverthorne due to multiple spun out vehicles, CDOT says. I-70 mountain travel is discouraged due to adverse driving conditions and reduced visibility.
SAFETY CLOSURE EB I-70 at Silverthorne (MM 205) due to multiple spun out vehicles. I-70 Mountain travel is discouraged due to adverse driving conditions and reduced visibility. Adequate traction is essential. https://t.co/XvI3frxnAf#KnowBeforeYouGo #WinterWise #WinterDriving pic.twitter.com/TW3Y01qGVK
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 3, 2019
1:15 p.m.: Denver's official snowfall from this winter storm stands at 3.7 inches, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder.
Denver's official snowfall thru 11am stands at 3.7", This brings the seasonal total to 31.5" & is approx 87% of seasonal avg thru March 3rd. March thru mid-April is the snowiest portion of the season for the Front Range w/~15.0" typically accumulated in that time-frame. #COwx
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 3, 2019
11:32 a.m.: If you're planning on coming back from the mountains, be aware there's a 2-hour travel time between mile marker 205 and the Golden exit.
I-70 EB: Heavy traffic between MM 205 and Exit 259 - Golden. Up to 2 hours travel time
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 3, 2019
11:15 a.m.: CDOT says hazmat teams are staging between mile marker 213 and mile market 215 (west of the Eisenhower Tunnel). Travelers must use US 6 Loveland Pass if they want to get through the area.
I-70 EB/WB: Hazmat staging between MM 213 and MM 215. Loveland Pass Open with CMV Chain Law & Passenger Traction Law in place. Hazardous materials must use US 6 Loveland Pass.
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 3, 2019
10:45 a.m.: There's a safety closure on I-70 near Silverthorne, CDOT says. You're advised to take US 6 Loveland Pass as a detour.
I-70: Safety closure at MM 215. No estimated time to open.
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 3, 2019
8:56 a.m.: The National Weather Service says this is the coldest March morning that Denver has seen since 1960.
This morning the temperature dropped to -6 at Denver which is the coldest it has been for the month of March since March 2nd of 1960 when the low was -7. #cowx
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 3, 2019
8:51 a.m.: We have updated snow totals this morning here. Meteorologist Stacey Donaldson has the latest on the near-zero temperatures and wind chill in an update you can watch below.
7:35 a.m.: Bundle up! Wind chill factor will make it feel well below zero degrees.
7:15 a.m.: First Alert Action Day continues with very cold temps and wind chill.
Forecast for today @denverchannel pic.twitter.com/ZRs1qYJmGg
— Mike Nelson (@MikeNelson247) March 3, 2019
7:10 a.m.: Expect low lane visibility across Denver roadways.
Plows are out after several inches fell overnight. Storm has moved out and roads are in pretty good shape, although fairly snowpacked. Tune in at 7 a.m. for our live coverage on @DenverChannel #CoWX pic.twitter.com/Atehb8wdIz
— Russell Haythorn (@RussellHaythorn) March 3, 2019
7:00 a.m.: A look at a snowpacked Hampden Ave.
Here’s a look at Hampden Ave. this morning. There are only a few cars using the road at the moment. Lane visibility is terrible. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/OX1KfltdGN
— Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) March 3, 2019
Sunday, March 3
10:30 p.m.: A check of road conditions across the metro.
9:55 p.m.: Driver okay after his truck falls onto an icy Clear Creek west of Denver.
His truck slid off a road and fell into icy Clear Creek, but the driver only had bumps and bruises, according to Colorado State Patrol. Photo: @CSP_Gaming pic.twitter.com/s8V7V3tCKe
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) March 3, 2019
9:40 p.m.: I-70 Westbound closure near Eisenhower Tunnel.
TRAFFIC ALERT: I-70 Westbound closed between MM 215 and MM 205 due to multiple crashes west of Eisenhower Tunnel. ⁰Check conditions: https://t.co/DCiQRQJoi8 pic.twitter.com/53FXypKnkB
— Denver7 News (@DenverChannel) March 3, 2019
8:47 p.m.: Update on the latest snow totals across Colorado.
8:39 p.m.: Snow heavy at times overnight. Here's the temperature forecast.
Forecast for tonight pic.twitter.com/vH43C2jEht
— Mike Nelson (@MikeNelson247) March 3, 2019
8:15 p.m.: A check of conditions at I-70 at Colorado.
Snow cover with some lane recognition on I-70 at Colorado. pic.twitter.com/IMsuPgDKQq
— Jayson Luber (@Denver7Traffic) March 3, 2019
7:42 p.m.: Denver police say the city is on accident alert. Here's what to do if in an accident.
#ALERT The City of Denver is on ACCIDENT ALERT. If you are involved in an accident PLEASE exchange information. ONLY call the police if the below happen: pic.twitter.com/txC5CbgKoU
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) March 3, 2019
7:16 p.m.: City of Arvada officials say they have 15 snowplows out servicing routes.
Street crews report: 15 plows out servicing routes; streets wet; snow starting to stick; temp about 11 degrees. Overnight low expected to fall to 7 degrees with 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulating. Drive carefully and stay warm! pic.twitter.com/kgtqmuydLI
— City of Arvada (@cityofarvada) March 3, 2019
6:27 p.m.: Steady to light moderate snow is falling along the southern I-25 corridor through at least 7 p.m., the NWS in Pueblo says.
6:23 PM: Steady light to moderate snow will fall along the southern I-25 corridor through at least 7 pm. #cowx pic.twitter.com/lBiXO2YqI0
— NWS Pueblo (@NWSPueblo) March 3, 2019
6:06 p.m.: Denver police reports there have been 20 crashes in the span of an hour. Please drive carefully if you must go out this evening. If you have no business outside, please stay home.
Hey #Denver it’s #snowing. DPD Dispatch has had 20 crashes reported in the past hour. Keep your head up and drive safe pic.twitter.com/pJHxvDX1KE
— Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) March 3, 2019
5:39 p.m.: All of Arapahoe County is on accident alert.
5:17 p.m.: Lanes are hard to see right now in downtown Denver, according to Denver7's Tomas Hoppough.
Be careful downtown drivers, lanes are hard to see right now. @DenverChannel #COWX pic.twitter.com/JlebMy3FQO
— Tomas Hoppough (@Tomas_Denver7) March 3, 2019
5:27 p.m.: CSP Limon officials say covering multiple crashes east of Deertrail on I-70 as freezing rain has changed to snow east of Aurora.
We are covering multiple crashes east of Deertrail on Colorado 70. Freezing rain has changed to snow east of Aurora so slower speeds are advised IF you have to travel
— CSP Limon (@CSP_Limon) March 3, 2019
5:09 p.m.: The City and County of Broomfield is now on accident alert.
The City and County of Broomfield is on Accident Alert. If there are no injuries, and no drugs or alcohol are suspected, exchange information and make a report in the next few days. #DriveSafe
— Broomfield Police (@BroomfieldPD) March 3, 2019
5:06 p.m.: The Kiowa Fire District is reminding drivers to drive with caution as roads are extremily slick.
Roads are extremely slick. Slow down!!! Drive with caution
— Kiowa Fire District (@kiowafire) March 3, 2019
4:56 p.m.: City of Fort Collins officials say plow trucks are plowing arterial roads.
City plow trucks are plowing artieral roads. Temps have fallen quickly to 11 degrees. Road ways are slick please. Use caution
— City of Fort Collins (@fortcollinsgov) March 2, 2019
4:55 p.m.: Colorado Springs is now on accident alert.
4:50 PM #CSPD is now on Accident Alert. pic.twitter.com/lfgTkreH7K
— Springs Police (@CSPDPIO) March 2, 2019
4:30 p.m.: The CIty of Fort Collins is now on accident alert.
Fort Collins will be on Accident Alert until 9:30pm. Be extremely cautious if you have to travel this evening! pic.twitter.com/WLM6zvLUU9
— Fort Collins Police (@FCPolice) March 2, 2019
3:29 p.m.: The City of Aurora has deployed 42 plows and takers that are pre-treating bridges and other "known areas of concern," city officials say.
Snow will be moving into the area over the next few hours and picking up in intensity overnight. Current projections range from 3 to 6” making this a category II storm. We have deployed 42 plows and tankers that are pretreating bridges and other areas of known concern. #Cowx pic.twitter.com/eXyftGfnqY
— City of Aurora, CO (@AuroraGov) March 2, 2019
2:19 p.m.: The City of Aurora is on accident alert.
#AccidentAlert We are on accident alert. Unless your incident has injuries, is a hit and run, driver is DUI/D, vehicle is undrivable, or one party does not have insurance, we will not respond. You can file online at https://t.co/zNUdQucEzT pic.twitter.com/cCAXuctxmP
— Aurora Police Dept (@AuroraPD) March 2, 2019
12:17 p.m.: CDOT officials say crews pre-treated major roads in advance of the snowstorm coming our way. They advise that drivers get appropriate tires for the weather and to take it slow.
Denver metro snow update: CDOT crews pretreated major roads in advance of a winter storm expected to impact the region this afternoon through the morning. Plows out through tomorrow. Motorists: have appropriate tires for the weather and take it slow! https://t.co/8v2MEyVlPf. pic.twitter.com/5yK1CBKzNC
— CDOT (@ColoradoDOT) March 2, 2019
12:08 p.m.: A look at the second band of snow that will soon be arriving to Denver and the I-25 corridor, from the National Weather Service.
Here's the second storm system (currently located over southern Utah) that were watching for late this afternoon & tonight. This combined w/much colder surface temperatures will allow for widespread snow across the region. #COwx pic.twitter.com/lQMra7TTFM
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
11:15 a.m.: The lower elevations of Larimer County have been upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning thru 9 p.m. tonight.
The lower elevations of Larimer County upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning thru 9pm tonight. The second & stronger portion of this storm system will arrive this aftn w/heavy snow in the Mtns along w/steady snow across the plains.
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
Temps gradually falling thru the aftn/eve. #COwx pic.twitter.com/pmLm9HbMSh
9:41 a.m.: Things have cleared up between Loveland and Ft. Collins, but Denver7's Meghan Lopez saw several cars on the side of the road this morning.
We saw several cars on the side of the road this morning between Loveland and Fort Collins on I-25 but things have cleared up quite a bit and the roads are more or less dry. Get ready for more snow this afternoon though. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/phUqSFqKpB
— Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) March 2, 2019
9:28 a.m.: Larimer county is finally getting some needed moisture w/this storm. Foothill areas have received from 6"-12" so far w/3"-5" in the urban areas, NWS Boulder says.
Larimer county finally getting some needed moisture w/this storm. Foothill areas have received from 6"-12" so far w/3"-5" in the urban areas. Expect snow to increase in coverage regionwide later this aftn as temps gradually fall. Updated reports: https://t.co/ckawNSQZqL #COwx pic.twitter.com/n2EfG5oPd7
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
8:16 a.m.: Rocky Mountain National Park reports Bear Lake already has 46" of snow at the base.
Winter Storm in the park. Winter Driving conditions 4WD/AWD recommended for traveling on park roads. Bear Lake has 46” base snow. Bear Lake parking lot has 8-10” of snow. Plows are out.
— RockyNPS (@RockyNPS) March 2, 2019
7:39 a.m.: Denver7's Meghan Lopez spotted a crash near Loveland.
Spotted our first accident of the morning near Loveland. It looks like two cars are involved and it’s in a construction zone so that’s not helping traffic at all. So far I have not seen a tow truck so it could be a while before this is cleaned up. @DenverChannel pic.twitter.com/EMnHIG4unI
— Meghan Lopez (@Meghan_Lopez) March 2, 2019
7:14 a.m.: About 3 inches of snow have accumulated in some parts of Ft. Collins, per Denver7 photojournalist Major King.
Don't say it! Dooooon't say it . . . W-W-W-Win . . . W-Winter W . . . Winter Wonder . . . I SAID DON'T SAY IT! #cliche #snow is 3" & counting here in the Fort @DenverChannel @FirstAlert7 #ColdKitty We need it: 16" below average for the season in #NoCO. pic.twitter.com/Ztcffkxl4z
— Major King (@MajorDenver7) March 2, 2019
6:31 a.m.: An Avalanche Watch is in effect for Steamboat, the Front Range, Vail & Summit, Grand Mesa, Aspen, and the Sawatch zones, the Colorado Avalanche Information Center says.
AVALANCHE WATCH for Steamboat, Front Range, Vail & Summit, Grand Mesa, Aspen, Sawatch zones. Very dangerous avalanche conditions are developing. Plan ahead for rapidly changing conditions & sharp rise in avalanche danger over the next 24 hours. Details at https://t.co/E7yJWqyZwj pic.twitter.com/SqdzcvJiw7
— CAIC:Statewide Info (@COAvalancheInfo) March 2, 2019
5:39 a.m.: Light to brief moderate snow will gradually spread southward into the southern portions of the I-25 Urban Corridor, including the Denver Metro area, thru 9 a.m., NWS Boulder says.
Light to brief moderate snow will gradually spread southward into the southern portions of the I-25 Urban Corridor, including the Denver Metro area, thru 9am. Roads will quickly become wet and icy in spots. #COwx pic.twitter.com/ZFclcfzzPY
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
4:55 a.m.: Heavy bands of snow (>1" per hour) are snaking across the northern mountains and northern plains. A weather spotter reported 4" of snow just northeast of Fort Collins where the band was more persistent overnight, according to the NWS in Boulder.
4:55 AM Radar: Heavy bands of snow (>1" per hour) are snaking across the northern mountains and northern plains. A weather spotter reported 4" of snow just northeast of Fort Collins where the band was more persistent overnight. Use caution if traveling in these areas. #COwx pic.twitter.com/St9f5Ix5Dx
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
4:30 a.m.: Here's the latest on the current snow totals expected as a band of snow moves out and another one moves in to most of Colorado.
Here's the latest on the current winter storm. One band of heavy snow mountains/northern plains exits early this morning. Next arrives late this afternoon and reaches #Denver and the rest of the plains. Hazardous travel, road closures possible mountains. #COwx pic.twitter.com/obeCiY7YmZ
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019
1:34 a.m.: This is the latest radar image coming in from NWS Boulder showing heavier snow organizing from the mountains to Estes Park, Fort Collins and then to the Wyoming border.
Latest radar data shows heavier snow organizing from the mountains to Estes Park, Fort Collins and then to the Wyoming border. Snowfall rates around 1" per hour in the heavier bands. #COwx pic.twitter.com/05KZYrSh1r
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) March 2, 2019