Dove Creek Rollover Highway 491, Mile Marker 60 - Courtesy Photo
Forecast Snowfall - Courtesy Photo National Weather Service Grand Junction, Colorado
Dove Creek Rollover Highway 491, Mile Marker 60 - Courtesy Photo
Expected Snowfall Official NWS Forecast - Courtesy Photo National Weather Service Grand Junction, Colorado
Avalanche Forecast - Courtesy Photo Colorado Avalanche Information Center
Snowfall On Track To Continue Through Tuesday
The storm that has been hitting Southwest Colorado and Southeastern Utah is on track, according to a press release by the National Weather Service out of Grand Junction.
The storm is traveling on a north northeastern track bringing a steady wet snow, causing many of our area roadways to be slick.
Strong wind gusts from the southwest, steady snow, and overcast skies, contribute to a continuation of hazardous driving conditions.
These conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday, with the bulk of the additional snowfall occurring from now through tonight. Snow will be heavy at times, but should taper off Tuesday afternoon.
Area Accidents
Multiple slide-offs and accidents have been reported throughout the day today, including a rollover accident on Highway 491, approximately 2 miles south of the town of Dove Creek that occurred shortly after 11 a.m. that closed a lane of traffic for a short time.
The semi carrying a load of onions rolled over and landed on its side on the west side of the highway. The driver required assistance getting out of the truck due to its position. With assistance from responding personnel, the driver was able to get out of the vehicle and was reported to have no injuries.
Shortly after this accident a UPS truck had a difficult time gaining traction heading north out of town. A lane was closed for a short time to allow for Colorado Department of Transportation to assist.
Looking Ahead
Once this storm passes, it is expected to have given the San Juan Mountains 10-24 inches of new snow, with 3-6 inches of new snow in the Southwestern Valleys. Many areas in these valleys report already having well over the 6 inches predicted.
Road Conditions
Highways across the region are reported as slick, with lower than usual visibility, and blowing snow. While some areas are only wet, it is wise to expect the unexpected on the roadways as conditions have been changing with little warning.
US Highways 160, 192, 491, and 550 all have portions that are hazardous.
Reminder to travelers:
Dialing 511 from any phone gives you access to the most up to date travel information on Colorado highways.
www.cotrip.org provides up to date notifications on travel restrictions, closed roadways, hazards, and locations of CDOT plows.
Avalanche Forecast
