A late-season winter system is set to bring accumulating snow across parts of southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, with hazardous travel conditions forecast through Friday night. Authorities warn that even moderate snowfall could significantly affect higher elevations and key mountain routes.
The system arrives at a time when spring conditions typically dominate, raising concerns about reduced visibility and slippery roads in mountainous terrain. According to the National Weather Service, several warnings and advisories remain in place across affected regions.
Mountain Regions Face Difficult Travel Conditions
The most significant impacts are expected in southern Colorado, particularly across the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, the Wet Mountains, and areas surrounding Pikes Peak. According to the National Weather Service office in Pueblo, snowfall is forecast to continue through Friday, with accumulations ranging between 3 and 6 inches, especially above 7,500 feet.
Road conditions are likely to deteriorate in higher elevations, where wet and slushy surfaces may turn snow-packed. Visibility could also be reduced due to falling snow and wind. The National Weather Service has warned that travel may become difficult, particularly during the Friday morning commute.
Warnings extend to elevated parts of Teller County and the Rampart Range, where conditions are expected to mirror those seen across the broader mountain system. Although snowfall totals are not extreme, the combination of elevation and timing may increase risks for drivers.
In northern New Mexico, similar conditions are forecast. According to the National Weather Service in Albuquerque, snowfall in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains is expected to persist through Friday night. Accumulations of 2 to 6 inches are anticipated above 7,500 feet, while elevations above 10,000 feet could receive up to a foot of snow.
Officials have cautioned that traction will be reduced on winding mountain roads, making travel potentially very difficult. Drivers have been advised to increase following distances and allow additional travel time if journeys cannot be postponed.
Advisories and Freezing Temperatures Extend Impact
Beyond the primary warning zones, winter weather advisories cover additional mountainous areas across central and southern Colorado and northern New Mexico. These include the Wet Mountain Valley, the Mosquito Range, parts of South Park, and regions near Raton Pass and the Tusas Mountains.
Snowfall in these advisory areas is expected to range between 2 and 8 inches, with higher totals near mountain passes. While impacts may be less severe than in warning zones, roads could still become slick and snow-covered, particularly overnight and during early morning hours, according to weather officials.
At the same time, freezing temperatures are expected to affect a broader portion of the United States. Freeze warnings remain in place across parts of theRocky Mountains, the Plains, the Upper Midwest and Appalachians. According to forecasters, overnight temperatures well below freezing may persist for several nights.
These conditions could damage crops, kill sensitive vegetation and affect unprotected plumbing systems. Residents have been urged to take protective measures for plants, irrigation infrastructure and pipes as colder air lingers behind the storm system.
While overall snowfall totals remain moderate, officials stress that the combination of snow, altitude and seasonal expectations could still create hazardous conditions. Drivers are advised to check local forecasts and road updates, and to prepare for winter-like travel despite the early May calendar.
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