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!
At Steamboat Ski area today, 3 lifts had to be closed for about an hour due to strong winds.
LIFT UPDATE: Sunshine and Storm Peak lifts are currently closed, and other lifts are running slowly due to high winds. Stay tuned for updates.
— #SteamboatResort (@skisteamboat) January 17, 2020
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.
Umm wow, Powderhorn is on a lightning delay and we're seeing thundersnow out in the area! pic.twitter.com/HXDqoOQvxz
— Sam Schreier (@SamASchreier) January 17, 2020
Driving was hazardous mostly due to blowing snow reducing visibility. HWY 160 from La Veta to Fort Garland was closed for several hours.
HWY 160 between La Veta and Fort Garland closed. https://t.co/jRSTM5F6IS
— Alex O'Brien (@WXAlexOBrien) January 17, 2020
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.
