Up to 10 inches of snow to hit Colorado by Christmas Day

It’s looking like a White Christmas is on the horizon for parts of Colorado, including several resort towns around the state.

According to OpenSnow, the best chance of snow over the Christmas holiday is Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with up to 10 inches expected in the southern part of the state and up to 5 inches of snow expected in the central and northern mountains. This is followed by a chance of snow on Friday into Saturday, which could range from “just a few flakes to deep powder.”

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A winter weather advisory has been issued by the National Weather Service for parts of Colorado, in effect from noon Tuesday to 6 PM Wednesday. Three cities in the range of the advisory are Silverton, Rico, and Hesperus. The advisory spans the southwest San Juan Mountains, including Red Mountain, Molas, and Coal Bank Passes. Expect driving conditions to be impacted. A chance snow in the region continues on Wednesday night and Thursday, tapering off through Sunday.

The NWS has also issued a special weather statement warning of snowfall and rain across the San Juans (as well as neighboring Utah), with totals ranging from 6 to 10 inches. This statement also mentions the possibility of snow in the Uncompahgre Plateau, Grand Mesa, West Elks, and Flat Tops regions.

According to OpenSnow, a few of the best spots to find powder over the next 5 days will be Wolf Creek (14 inches), Silverton (9 inches), and Powderhorn (9 inches). See the full breakdown here.

On the Front Range, winter weather will be tame.

In Denver, temperatures will likely hang in the 50s on Christmas Eve and Christmas before dipping into the low-40s for the rest of the week. There will be a slight chance of rain throughout the week.

Colorado Springs will see similar temperatures at the beginning of the week, with highs in the 50s before a chance of snow showers on Friday and Saturday.

Pueblo will likely be slightly warmer than Colorado Springs, with the same chance of snow showers on Friday and Saturday.

Boulder will see highs in the 40s following a slightly warmer Tuesday and Wednesday, with a chance of snow on Saturday.

If you’re traveling around areas impacted with snow throughout the holiday season, expect delays due to heavy traffic. Plan ahead by packing your trunk with survival essentials.