Winter weather-related alerts spanned portions of Alaska, Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico as of early Sunday morning, with the National Weather Service (NWS) expecting up to 18 inches of snowfall in parts.
Why It Matters
The agency cautioned that the wintry weather could lead to challenging driving conditions across many of the affected areas.
What To Know
The NWS Fairbanks, Alaska, office has issued a winter storm warning for the White Mountains and high terrain south of the Yukon River, including the Yukon Flats. An additional 3 to 5 inches of snow are expected, with the heaviest accumulations north and east of Eagle Summit. Communities impacted include Eagle Summit, Livengood, Beaver, Central, Venetie, and Circle. The NWS warned that travel in the region could be very difficult and urged motorists to carry flashlights, food, and water in case of emergency. The warning is in effect until noon AKST Sunday.
Elsewhere in Alaska, a winter weather advisory is in effect for the Upper Chena and Chatanika River Valleys—also until noon AKST Sunday—where 1 to 3 inches of additional snow is forecast, with the heaviest totals expected in the hills off Chena Hot Springs Road.
In Colorado, winter weather advisories are in effect across mountain regions in the state’s southwest.
The greatest snowfall is expected in the northwest, southwest, and eastern San Juan Mountains (above 10,000 feet), the La Garita Mountains (above 10,000 feet), as well as the northern and southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains (above 11,000 feet), where 5 to 10 inches is expected. Pikes Peak could see between 4 and 8 inches above 11,000 feet, the NWS said.
In Montana, winter weather advisories have been issued for western and central portions of the state.
The East Glacier Park Region will see the most significant snow totals, with 5 to 10 inches forecast at Marias Pass and up to 18 inches possible over the highest mountain peaks within Glacier National Park, accompanied by winds up to 60 mph, according to the NWS. Moderate to major winter weather impacts are possible throughout the West Glacier Region, including Essex and Polebridge, with 2 to 6 inches in valleys and 6 to 18 inches in higher terrain, the NWS said.
Elsewhere in Montana, the Big Belt, Bridger, Castle, Little Belt, and Highwood Mountains can expect 2 to 6 inches, and locally up to 9 inches in the highest spots, according to the agency.
In New Mexico, the NWS Albuquerque office has issued an advisory for the northern and southern Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Tusas Mountains, and Jemez Mountains.
Forecasters expect 3 to 8 inches of snow, with isolated areas above 10,000 feet receiving up to 10 inches.
What People Are Saying
The NWS forecast office, Pueblo, Colorado, said on X, Saturday: “Another round of mountain snow is expected to start late tonight, and persist through late Sunday. Conditions may be hazardous along mountain roadways, so take extra caution when traveling over passes. Otherwise, snow may spill into the valleys, with rain for the plains.”
NWS Great Falls, Montana, said on X, Saturday: “Light snow returns to North Central and Southwest MT Sunday afternoon into Monday. The light snow will produce areas of reduced visibility and some snow-covered roadways. Plan ahead for the change in conditions.”
What Happens Next
Regular forecast updates are issued by the NWS on its website.
