Denver, Colorado, October 14, 2026 After a long period of warm and dry weather, winter has finally begun to show its true colors in the Colorado mountains. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued Winter Weather Advisories and Warnings for high-altitude areas across Colorado, effective from the morning of Wednesday, October 15, until the morning of Thursday, October 16. According to the weather department, heavy snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are possible in some areas, and wind gusts can reach 35 MPH (approximately 56 km/h). This is the first major snowfall system of the season and has put the administration on high alert.
Where will the alert be imposed? All of Colorado is on high alert
The NWS has simultaneously issued advisories from three separate offices – Denver/Boulder, Pueblo, and Grand Junction. Approximately 30 counties will be affected.
1. NWS Denver/Boulder Advisory - Most Snowy Area: Time - Wednesday, October 15, 12 p.m. MDT until Thursday, October 16, 6 a.m. Location - All mountains above 9,000 feet - Jackson, Grand, Summit, Park, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Boulder, Larimer counties. Famous Passes Affected - Rabbit Ears Pass, Cameron Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, Berthoud Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel / Loveland Pass, Winter Park, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail, Aspen, Glenwood Springs. Expectations - 5 to 10 inches of snow generally, but 6 to 12 inches above 9,500 feet and especially in Rabbit Ears and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Local news reports indicate 7-9 inches of snow in Arapahoe Basin and 6-8 inches in Loveland, Winter Park, and Steamboat Springs.
2. NWS Pueblo Advisory - South-Central Colorado: Eastern San Juan Mountains (above 10,000 feet) - Wednesday morning from 2 a.m. to 8 p.m., 4 to 9 inches of snow. Eastern Sawatch Mountains and Western Mosquito Range (above 11,000 feet) - Wednesday morning from 8 a.m. to Thursday night, 5 to 10 inches of snow with gusts up to 35 mph. The heaviest snow will fall north of Cottonwood Pass.
3. NWS Grand Junction Advisory - Western Colorado:* Flat Tops, West Elk, Sawatch Mountains (above 9,500 ft) - 4 to 8 inches of snow and winds up to 35 mph, Wednesday 8 AM to Thursday 8 AM. San Juan Mountains (above 10,000 ft) - 4 to 8 inches of snow around Telluride, Silverton, and Ouray, Wednesday 8 AM to 8 PM.
Big Warning for Travel - "Travel Will Be Hazardous"
The NWS clearly states in its advisory - "Snow-covered roads will make travel hazardous, especially through mountain passes." The I-70 Mountain Corridor, Colorado's lifeline, has been under a Traction Law (Tire Chain / Snow Tire Requirement) since September 1st. If a vehicle is caught without proper tires, a fine of more than $100 will be imposed. CDOT advises checking live road conditions at http://Cotrip.org, keeping a winter emergency kit, warm clothes, food, water, and a power bank in the vehicle, keeping the fuel tank full, and avoiding traveling on mountainous roads at night. Strong winds will cause fresh snow to blow onto the road, creating "blowing snow," which could reduce visibility and increase the risk of black ice.
What will happen in Denver, Boulder, Grand Junction?
The good news is that there will be no snow in lower-lying cities like Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, Grand Junction, and Montrose. There will be a cold rain. Grand Junction and surrounding areas could receive 0.50 to 1.50 inches of rain, with strong winds and thunderstorms in some areas. However, the cold will intensify. Denver's maximum temperature on Wednesday will only reach 11°C (52°F), which is 15 degrees below normal. By Thursday morning, temperatures will drop to 1°C, which could trigger a Frost/Freeze Warning.
What will the weather be like next?
According to the Meteorological Department, this system will move out by Thursday afternoon. The weather will return to clear, dry, and warm by Friday, October 17th. It will be sunny over the weekend. But this is just the beginning. Long-range models indicate that an even more significant winter storm could hit Colorado between October 21st and 24th, potentially bringing the first snow to the plains. For now, if you plan to head to the mountains on Wednesday, consider postponing your plans.
