DENVER — Another round of snow will impact Colorado before clearing out for the weekend.
Snow began falling in Colorado's mountains early Friday and will spread into the Denver metro area, as well as the urban Front Range corridor and the eastern plains, Friday afternoon and evening.
The Denver metro area can expect 1 to 3 inches of snow by late Friday, though localized banding could result in closer to 6 inches of snow in some areas. Although snowfall will be light in the Denver metro area and plains, cold temperatures will likely make roads slick after sunset Friday.
Colorado's northern mountains, including the Elkhead and Park Mountains, are under a Winter Weather Advisory issued by the National Weather Service. Those areas could get 6 to 20 inches of snow with locally higher amounts.
The National Weather Service has also issued an Avalanche Warning for the Elkhead and Park mountains through Saturday.
Winds could gust as high as 55 mph in areas such as Rabbit Ears Pass in northwest Colorado. Snow-covered roads will make travel hazardous in some mountain areas.
> Video below: Colorado snow | A look at traffic, weather ahead of this holiday weekend
The snow will be over for the Denver area on Saturday as skies clear with highs pushing into the 40s. On Sunday, a high pressure ridge builds into Rocky Mountain region resulting in fair and milder conditions across Colorado.
Denver and the eastern Colorado plains could warm into the 60s by Tuesday for the warmest day of the week.
Colorado road conditions
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) said drivers headed to the mountains this weekend should ensure their vehicles are prepared for winter roads.
Motorists traveling to the mountains should always stay at least three car lengths behind snowplows and never pass them on the right.
"Winter weather presents unique challenges for even the most experienced Colorado drivers,” CDOT Winter Wise communications manager Andrew Hogle said. “We encourage all motorists to avoid peak travel times and ensure their vehicles are prepared for the possibility of winter weather. That includes keeping a winterized emergency kit in your vehicle with water, snacks, traction devices, jumper cables, blankets, a first-aid kit and other necessities.”
"We’re still in the thick of the winter season, so it’s important to ensure that your vehicle is prepared for winter travel,” said Hogle. “Before hitting the road this weekend, make sure you have winter, all-weather, or mud and snow tires with a minimum of three-sixteenths of an inch tread depth. Preparing your vehicle and tires for winter weather is one of the best ways to keep yourself and others safe on Colorado roadways and prevent delays on I-70.”
RELATED: Winter driving safety: 5 Fast Facts
Colorado's Passenger Vehicle Traction Law
Colorado's Passenger Vehicle Traction Law remains active on the I-70 mountain corridor from Dotsero to Morrison. The law requires all motorists to have at least three-sixteenths of an inch tread depth on all tires and at least one of the following:
- 4WD or AWD vehicle
- Tires with mud and snow designation (M+S icon)
- Winter tires (mountain snowflake icon)
- Tires with an all-weather rating by the manufacturer
- Chains or approved traction device
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