A strong spring storm is expected to bring up to 20 inches of snow in some areas of the high country with the bulk of the snow anticipated from Tuesday afternoon into Wednesday morning.

Rain and snow are anticipated to impact most of eastern Colorado Tuesday into Wednesday. Road conditions in the mountains will create difficult driving conditions during this storm and motorists are urged to avoid traveling in the high country, if possible.  

Snow accumulations will mostly stay within the mountains and foothills and will be accompanied by strong wind gusts. The Palmer Divide (I-25 between Castle Rock and Colorado Springs) is anticipated to be impacted Tuesday evening. There is a potential for a flash freeze Wednesday morning across I-25 in Denver heading north making travel in the metro area difficult. The public can also expect bursts of heavy snow across the Denver/Fort Collins corridor and northeast plains.

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s snowfighting crews will be out in full force ahead of the storm and will remain on the roads clearing them of snow and ice until the storm is out of the area and the roads are safe. Motorists are urged to be mindful when driving near snowplows. It is always better to be traveling behind them rather than passing them.

Motorists should never pass snowplows on the right.Road closures are extremely likely, especially in areas that will see heavy snow and wind gusts. Motorists should always be prepared for the potential of being stopped due to adverse conditions or a crash. Items every motorist should have in their vehicle include water, snacks, phone charger, games (if traveling with children), sand, shovel and a full tank of gas.

Motorists need to ensure they are traveling in a 4WD or AWD vehicle with 3/16” of tread depth and are carrying chains or approved alternative traction devices in the high likelihood a Passenger Vehicle Chain Law is activated in the high country. If travel is unavoidable, motorists should visit COtrip.org or the COtrip Planner app to check on road closures and conditions as well as checking to see if there is a Traction or Chain Law in place. Motorists need to know what road conditions are like before traveling in order to make informed decisions. 

What Motorists Should Know
Avoid or limit driving during the brunt of the storm. Many areas of the state will experience pavement impacts.If you plan to travel, know before you go by checking out the latest weather conditions and visiting COtrip.org for road conditions (see info sources below).Make sure your vehicle is winter ready with the appropriate tires for the weather and have a snow emergency kit.Once you are out on the road, take it slow, no sudden stops and leave plenty of following distance.Give plows space! Stay back three to four car lengths from snowplows.

Safety Closures
A safety closure is a precaution taken during inclement weather to reduce the probability of traffic incidents, increased congestion or other safety-related factors. During a safety closure, traffic may be stopped on the interstate, turned around or directed to an exit. Safety closures help decrease delay times, and, above all, keep travelers safe.

Chain & Traction Laws
When weather conditions warrant, CDOT will activate the Traction Law. If weather conditions deteriorate, CDOT will activate Chain Laws for passenger and commercial vehicles. Motorists will be alerted to an active Traction or Chain Law by highway signage, COtrip.org and traffic/roadway condition alerts. For more information on the Traction Law and Passenger Vehicle Chain Law requirements, visit codot.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw.