The National Weather Service has issued two warnings for Southwest Colorado.
A winter storm warning for the southwestern San Juan Mountains, including Silverton and Rico, will go into effect at 6 a.m. Thursday and remain active until 6 a.m. Friday for elevations above 8,500 feet.
Expected snow accumulation in these areas is 8 to 16 inches, with the possibility for higher accumulations in localized areas. The Weather Service warns travel will likely become difficult, especially over mountain passes. Lizard Head Pass is expected to receive 5 to 8 inches. Michael Charnick with the Weather Service recommended caution when traveling through higher elevations.
A hazardous weather outlook has also been issued for eastern Utah and western Colorado. Rain showers are expected to begin Wednesday afternoon in the Four Corners, with heavy snow falling Thursday night through Friday morning in the San Juan Mountains above 8,500 feet in elevation.
Snow is expected to be heaviest Thursday morning, with a reprieve during the mid-morning and early afternoon hours. Heavier snowfall of 6 to 10 inches is expected to continue after 1 p.m. and last through Thursday night.
Snow may fall in lower elevations, but less than 1 inch is expected to accumulate in most areas, as temperatures will be in the mid- to high-40s. Lower elevation areas are expected to see light rain or snow showers through the weekend with the possibility of localized thunderstorms.
Montezuma County is expected to see rain on and off through noon Sunday, with a chance of light snow Thursday night and Sunday morning. Little to no snow accumulation is expected.
La Plata County may see light snow Wednesday night through Thursday morning, but little to no accumulation is expected. After 1 p.m. Thursday, 1 to 3 inches of snow in lower elevations is possible. Light rain and snow are expected to continue through Sunday.
San Juan County is expected to see light snow Wednesday evening, with the storm intensifying Thursday with 5 to 9 inches of snow possible. Blowing snow could affect driving conditions Thursday afternoon. Thursday night may see an additional 3 to 5 inches of snow, but the storm is expected to taper off Friday afternoon through Sunday.
dgladden@durangoherald.com