Early Winter Storm Brings Snow to Colorado Peaks and Closes Trail Ridge Road

Key points

• A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for parts of western Colorado, forecasting 6 to 12 inches of snow by Thursday morning.
• Snow levels are expected to drop to 8,000 feet by Wednesday evening and 7,500 feet by Thursday morning.
• Denver metro areas will experience cloudy, cool weather with highs in the mid-to-upper 40s and 0.5 to 0.75 inches of rain by Thursday noon.
• Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park closed on October 13 due to snow, ice, and poor visibility at Rainbow Curve and Milner Pass.
• Overnight lows in northeast Colorado may drop into the upper 20s to mid-30s, creating a risk of widespread frost and hard freezes by Friday morning.

Background

This early-season storm follows a period of variable weather in Colorado. While the region recently experienced a nor'easter in Maine and other regional weather events, Colorado is now facing its first significant snowfall of the pre-season. The closure of Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the U.S., is a common occurrence in October as winter conditions set in, typically preceding the seasonal closure that lasts until Memorial Day.

How outlets are covering it

Denver 7 emphasizes the impact on the metro area, highlighting rain during the evening commute and the chill for the Broncos-Seahawks game, while noting the risk of frost for plants. OpenSnow focuses on the ski industry, expressing excitement about the return of consistent snow chances after a previous 'bust' season, with specific forecasts for resorts like Silverton and Steamboat. CBS News provides a concrete operational impact, reporting the immediate closure of Trail Ridge Road in Rocky Mountain National Park due to hazardous conditions, a key concern for travelers and park visitors.

Why it matters

The storm poses immediate risks to transportation and outdoor activities in Colorado. The closure of Trail Ridge Road disrupts travel through Rocky Mountain National Park, a major tourist destination. Residents in the Denver metro area must navigate wet roads and cold temperatures, while those in high-elevation areas face significant snow accumulation. Additionally, the potential for hard freezes threatens cold-sensitive plants and infrastructure, requiring residents to take protective measures before Friday morning.

What to watch

Skies are expected to clear by Thursday night, leading to a sharp drop in temperatures. Overnight lows will reach the upper 20s to mid-30s in northeast Colorado, increasing the risk of frost and hard freezes. Friday will bring sunshine but remain well below normal temperatures, with highs in the low 60s. Temperatures are forecast to rebound over the weekend, with highs in the 70s on Saturday and Sunday. Another weather system may arrive by the middle to latter part of next week, potentially bringing more rain, snow, and cooler temperatures.