GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colorado – The winter season stormed into Glenwood and much of Garfield County Monday, leaving around a half foot of snow blanketing much of the area.

The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning and hazardous weather outlook for the Glenwood Springs area as of noon Monday. The weather service reported that Glenwood would likely receive less than one inch of snow Monday, with most of the accumulation coming through the night. But Glenwood had already received more than four inches by noon. And the snow was still coming down at 4 p.m.

The weather service also reported a high temperature of 22 degrees Monday, with a low temperature of -6. Snow and cold temperatures are expected to continue through much of the week, according to the weather service, with Tuesday’s high expected to reach only about 28 degrees in Glenwood. And the weather service reported that Glenwood could receive another six inches of accumulation through Tuesday night.

Thursday is expected to reach near freezing, with a high of 31 degrees. Cooler weather and possible snow is expected through the weekend.

According to Snowforecast.com, Sunlight Mountain Resort is expected to get hammered by this current storm for much of the week, with as much as two feet of snow possible through Saturday.

Sunlight reported 8 inches of snow by 2 p.m. Monday, and the mountain was expecting more through the night into Tuesday.

Glenwood Police did not see many fender benders Monday, which had Glenwood Police Chief Terry Wilson pleased. Wilson said that Glenwood had a mild day as far as accidents go.

“It sometimes helps when conditions are obviously this bad,” Wilson said. “When it’s been dumping all day, l think that helps sometimes and people tend to pay attention when it comes down like this.”

According to the Colorado State Patrol Dispatch in Craig, troopers were extremely busy with weather-related accidents all day. However, there were no statistics as to how many accidents had occurred.

Colorado Department of Transportation plow crews were out in force starting Sunday night. Crews rotate on 12-hour shifts during storms, clearing snow and spraying de-icer.

However, CDOT suggests motorists prepare for the worst and carry plenty of windshield wiper fluid as liquid de-icers may stick to your windshield. CDOT also suggests motorists carry a window scraper, snow brush, coat, hat, gloves, blanket, first aid kit, flashlight, tire chains, matches and nonperishable food in your vehicle in case of emergency.

For current weather and road condition information call (303) 639-1111, or dial 511, or visit cotrip.org.

jgardner@postindependent.com