A winter storm warning has been issued for much of the Colorado mountains including the Aspen and Snowmass area, the National Weather Service said in an advisory late Tuesday night.
The warning calls for snow accumulations up to 2 feet and winds gust near 60 mph through Thursday morning.
“Heavy snow rates and blowing snow will reduce visibility to less than a half of a mile at times,” the warning states. “Icy to snow packed roadways will significantly reduce traction.”
As well, avalanche warnings are in effect and backcountry travel is highly discouraged. The avalanche level is listed as high (level 4 of 5) for the Aspen zone and much of the central mountains.
@CAICaspen issues AVALANCHE WARNING for Pitkin County and surrounding areas from 6AM Wednesday (2/6) – 9AM Thursday (2/7). “Avalanche Danger: backcountry avalanche danger is HIGH (Level 4 of 5)” Please use caution if you have to go into the backcountry. https://t.co/PMT7NfiCWY pic.twitter.com/aTz9SQkGJB
— Pitkin Co. Sheriff (@PitkinSheriff) February 6, 2019
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The NWS said Wednesday morning that “scattered to widespread showers will persist today before decreasing in coverage this evening. The snow may be moderate to heavy at times and strong winds may causing blowing snow. Isolated lightning is possible especially in the afternoon as a cold front sweeps across the area. The snow showers become confined to the higher elevations tonight.”
This is a developing story that will be updated.