Winter Storm Warning Enhanced for Five Colorado Counties as Conditions Deteriorate

NWS Grand Junction upgraded a Winter Storm Watch to a Winter Storm Warning for the Northwest and Southwest San Juan Mountains in southwest Colorado.

The warning runs from 6 AM Sunday to noon MST Monday above 10,000 feet, with 12 to 18 inches of snow expected.

Winter Storm Warning Details

Heavy snow is expected above 10,000 feet, with locally higher amounts possible. Winds could gust to 45 mph.

NWS Grand Junction said travel could be very difficult to impossible, and the hazardous conditions will affect the Monday morning commute.

The warning covers two zones. Places include Telluride, Lizard Head Pass, Ouray, Red Mountain Pass, Lake City, Silverton, Molas Pass, Coal Bank Pass, Rico and Hesperus.

The earlier watch called for 10 to 15 inches and ran until noon Monday. The warning raises the expected totals to 12 to 18 inches.

Source: NWS Grand Junction on X

Flood Risk Adds to the Danger

Deep Pacific moisture brings a threat of heavy rain to the region, and cold air arrives Sunday night with snow possible down to 8,000 feet.

NWS Grand Junction said flooding and flash flooding concerns are elevated Sunday into Monday, especially where soils are saturated from last week’s rain.

NWS Grand Junction graphic titled Flood Risk for Sunday, with an excessive rainfall outlook map for western Colorado and eastern Utah and notes on showers, thunderstorms and high elevation snow Sunday and Monday
NWS Grand Junction flood risk graphic for Sunday, with showers, thunderstorms and high elevation snow Sunday and Monday. Credit: NWS Grand Junction

NWS Pueblo said more heavy precipitation is headed for the already soaked southwest mountains, with flooding again a concern Sunday and into next week.

Source: NWS Pueblo on X

Travel Advice

Slow down and use caution while traveling. Call 511 or visit COtrip for the latest road conditions.

More information is on weather.gov/gjt.

Read full article: Winter Storm Warning Upgraded for 5 Counties in Colorado as Conditions Worsen

The post “Winter Storm Warning Upgraded for 5 Counties in Colorado as Conditions Worsen” by Luka Trcek was published on 10/31/2026 by www.travelinglifestyle.net