VAIL, Colo. (KDVR) — Colorado State Patrol reported “whiteout conditions” at high elevations Friday night as snow hit the mountains, causing crashes and snarling traffic.
Whiteout conditions were reported on Interstate 70, Loveland Pass (U.S. 6) and Berthoud Pass (U.S. 40), according to CSP. Traction and “common sense” laws were in effect.
“Tonight is not a good night to be in the mountains. The snow will be there tomorrow, and Sunday,” CSP tweeted.
The Colorado Department of Transportation showed multiple closures of I-70 on Friday night, including at Vail, Silverthorne and farther east between Herman Gulch and Bakerville (Exits 218-221).
I-70 eastbound was closed at Vail because of multiple spun-out vehicles, CSP tweeted just after 9:30 p.m.
At Silverthorne, a CDOT snow plow was struck about 4 miles east of the Eisenhower Tunnel, according to CSP.
Commercial motor vehicle drivers were advised by CSP that Exit 133 at Dotsero was open for overnight parking, but there were no other spots to park between Glenwood Springs and Denver.
The snow comes in the mountains as more snow chances are forecast for the Front Range. The Pinpoint Weather team said temperatures will drop below freezing on Friday night and stay there until Thursday.
Light snow is possible in the metro over the weekend.
