National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologists in Colorado issued a new winter weather advisory on Friday ahead of a winter storm set to bring as much as 8 inches of snow to the state.
The winter weather advisory was issued by the NWS office in Denver at 10:55 a.m. local time Friday morning. It went into effect at 2 p.m. local time Friday afternoon for the mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks, including the areas of Indian Peaks, Kenosha Mountains, East Slopes Mosquito Range, Mount Blue Sky, Berthoud Pass, Eisenhower Tunnel, Winter Park, Williams Fork Mountains and Breckenridge. The winter weather hits as meteorologists have warned about back-to-back storms set to pummel the West with as much as 10 feet of snow over the next week.
The highest snowfall amounts are expected along the southern Front Range Mountains. The incoming storms mark a sharp turn from the region’s prolonged dry stretch and persistent snow deficits, where low snowpack has raised concerns about water supply heading into spring. Denver did not see its first snowfall of the season until November 29, 2025, which was the second latest first snowfall in the city’s history.
While any snow is welcome, NWS meteorologist Maggie Ideker told Newsweek the incoming storm won’t be enough to replenish the snowpack.
“We need a good three or four storms to get us even close to normal snowpack levels,” she said. “While it’s very welcome, it’s not enough for us.”
However, an active weather pattern is in store for Colorado, with more snow possible on Tuesday and Thursday next week, although official snowfall amounts are still uncertain.
“We are entering an active pattern which is really good news, but we need those big snowstorms to get us back to good levels with this snowpack,” Ideker said.
Colorado Winter Storm Snowfall Amounts Expected
Between 4 and 8 inches of snow will fall through 5 a.m. local time Saturday, according to the winter weather advisory, with the heaviest snowfall expected to occur on Friday evening. Snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour at times, Ideker said.
“Plan on slippery road conditions,” the advisory said. “The hazardous conditions will impact the Friday evening commute and ski travel between Denver and Summit County. Slow down and use caution while traveling.”
Winter weather advisories are also in place for northern New Mexico for a similar timeframe.
More Winter Storms to Hit U.S. West Next Week
More winter storms are on the way, with the NWS Weather Prediction Center predicting the states with the highest chance of experiencing at least minor impacts from the incoming winter storms on Monday will include California, Nevada and Utah. The most concentrated area of impacts looks to be along the Sierra Nevada in California, which is showing an above 95 percent chance of minor winter weather effects.
Chances spread further on Tuesday, hitting at least 60 percent for 10 states in the West. Those expecting the highest chances of impacts include California, Utah and Colorado, which have pockets expecting at least 90 percent chances of minor impacts from the incoming storm.
In a polarized era, the center is dismissed as bland. At Newsweek, ours is different: The Courageous Center—it’s not “both sides,” it’s sharp, challenging and alive with ideas. We follow facts, not factions. If that sounds like the kind of journalism you want to see thrive, we need you.
When you become a Newsweek Member, you support a mission to keep the center strong and vibrant. Members enjoy: Ad-free browsing, exclusive content and editor conversations. Help keep the center courageous. Join today.
