LEADVILLE, CO — Winter arrived early in Colorado’s high country on Tuesday. About 2 to 5 inches of snow were reported in California Gulch near Leadville, and high mountain roads became slick and difficult to drive. A photo taken from a vehicle in the area showed snow-covered hillsides, steady snowfall and poor visibility across the high terrain. More snow is falling tonight, so conditions are expected to get worse overnight, and travelers in the central Colorado mountains should be ready for winter driving well before the calendar says so.
Snow Covers the High Terrain Near Leadville
California Gulch sits in the high terrain just outside Leadville, one of the highest incorporated cities in the United States. It took on a wintry look as snow piled up on slopes, rocks and roadsides. The image from the area showed a hillside mostly covered in fresh snow, with only a few dark rocks and bare patches poking through.
Falling snow and low clouds cut visibility across the valley, and the surrounding ridges faded into a gray haze. Snowflakes and wet spots on the vehicle’s hood showed that snow was still falling as the photo was taken, with more piling up on the terrain.
Slick and Difficult Conditions on Mountain Roads
The fresh snow made high mountain roads around California Gulch and Leadville slick and difficult to travel. Early-season snow often falls on roads that are still relatively warm, which can create a slushy layer that refreezes as temperatures drop at night, leaving icy patches that are hard to see.
Drivers on U.S. Highway 24 and State Highway 91 near Leadville, and on nearby high routes including Fremont Pass and Tennessee Pass, should expect snow-covered or slushy sections, reduced visibility and slower travel. Unpaved roads and backcountry routes in the Mosquito Range and Sawatch Range could become especially hard to get through.
More Snow Falling Tonight
The snow isn’t over yet. More snow is falling tonight, which means totals around California Gulch and the higher terrain near Leadville could keep climbing. Overnight cooling will make it easier for snow to stick to roads and for slush to freeze, so conditions could be worse by Wednesday morning.
Anyone who has to travel through the high country overnight or early Wednesday should check road conditions first and plan for delays.
Part of a Wider Colorado Mountain Snow Event
The snow near Leadville is part of a larger early-season storm affecting Colorado’s central and southern mountains this week. Moisture from the remnants of Polo is getting wrapped into a low-pressure system over the region. If model trends hold, elevations above 11,000 feet in the San Juans, Sangre de Cristos, Wet Mountains and near Pikes Peak could get 10 to 18 inches of snow through Thursday, with localized totals over 2 feet.
Wet snow is also possible along Interstate 70 above 9,000 feet between Vail Pass and Silver Plume from Tuesday night into Wednesday. Travel across the Continental Divide could get difficult.
Winter Driving Tips for the High Country
Drivers heading into the mountains should make sure their vehicles have good tires with enough tread, and should think about carrying chains or traction devices where required. Slow down, increase following distance, and avoid sudden braking or sharp turns on snow-covered roads. Keep an emergency kit in the vehicle with warm clothing, blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight and a phone charger.
Hikers, hunters and campers in the backcountry near Leadville should be ready for cold temperatures, deep snow at higher elevations and rapidly changing conditions. Trails and forest roads that were clear just days ago may now be snow-covered and hard to follow.
Stay Alert Through the Week
With more snow in the forecast through Thursday, residents and travelers across Colorado’s high country should keep checking forecasts from the National Weather Service and road updates from the Colorado Department of Transportation. Mountain conditions can change fast, especially early in the season.
For continuing coverage of Colorado mountain snow and weather developments across the United States, visit diamondprowl.com.
