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Blowing snow and thundersnow in Colorado's high country

I-70 driving between Frisco and Silverthorne January 17, 2020
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COLORADO — Friday was a turbulent day in Colorado, with strong winds and mountain snow.

In southern Colorado, the top wind gust was 79 mph in La Veta!

Top wind gusts January 17, 2020

At Steamboat Ski area today, 3 lifts had to be closed for about an hour due to strong winds.

So far today most ski areas have seen 3-5 inches, but these totals are just preliminary so far. Wolf Creek Ski area has seen 11 inches!

There were multiple reports of thundersnow across the state today, even forcing Powderhorn ski area to temporarily close the lifts due to lightning.

Driving was hazardous mostly due to blowing snow reducing visibility. HWY 160 from La Veta to Fort Garland was closed for several hours.

HWY 6 over Loveland Pass and I-70 over Vail Pass are experiencing closures through this evening.

Know before you go, our the chain laws. Remember a passenger vehicle traction law requires snow tires or AWD/4WD, but a passenger chain law requires all vehicles to have chains.