Thanksgiving week travel in Colorado’s mountain region could be the most dangerous Tuesday and into Wednesday night as a second round of intense snowfall pummels high-elevation areas. 

Coming on the heels of a winter storm Sunday, Nov. 24, that brought multiple inches of snow and resulted in several closures along Interstate 70 east of Vail Pass, icy, windblown conditions are expected to return starting early Tuesday morning. 

It comes as AAA predicts a record number of drivers will descend on roads across the country during the Thanksgiving holiday period. 

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“To brave the High Country right now will be a challenge even for experienced drivers,” said AAA regional spokesperson Skyler McKinley. “If you can adjust your plans to avoid the worst of this perfect storm — where there is a literal storm and heavy travel — do so.”

The National Weather Service, warning of “difficult to impossible” travel conditions at times, issued a Winter Storm Warning for much of the High Country and Western Slope from 3 a.m. Tuesday through 11 p.m. Wednesday. 

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The heaviest snowfall is forecast to hit Tuesday morning and into the evening, with the potential for wind gusts of up to 15-22 mph, according to National Weather Service meteorologist Maggie Ideker. Travel impacts could persist through Wednesday night, with wind gusts again reaching as high as 22 mph in some mountain areas. 

“We really recommend, unless it’s essential travel, to not be traveling in the mountains from Tuesday morning through Wednesday evening,” Ideker said.

Conditions are expected to be mild east of the foothills, and the Denver metro area is currently free of any storm warning or advisory. 

“We’re thinking this will mostly be localized for the mountains,” Ideker said. “We can’t rule out some chances for snow east of the mountains, but those areas won’t be as heavily impacted.”

By Thursday — Thanksgiving Day — up to 10-20 inches of fresh snow could be on the ground in areas above 9,500 feet, while Thursday itself is expected to be “sunny and clear,”  Ideker said.

McKinley recommends Thursday as the safest time for holiday-related travel, adding that while it may be frustrating to delay plans, “The worst of the snow should be behind us.”

Anyone attempting to travel Tuesday or Wednesday should ensure they’re taking a vehicle that adheres to state traction laws, which can be found online at CODOT.gov/travel/winter-driving/tractionlaw. 

McKinley said, generally speaking, vehicles with four-wheel or all-wheel drive that are equipped with winter or all-weather tires or have ample tire tread depth will comply. A two-wheel drive car can be made compliant, so long as it has the necessary tread or chains, though McKinley warned against driving such a car in this week’s weather. 

When on the road, McKinley said it’s important to feel safe behind the wheel and inexperienced winter drivers should avoid driving altogether. Motorists should budget ample time to reach their destinations and prepare for slow-downs, accidents and closures. Travelers should also carry cell phone chargers and food in their cars and ensure their vehicles have at least half a tank of gas. 

Road incidents are likely inevitable, with McKinley saying, “We’re going to be asking first responders to help out motorists during some hairy weather on tough roadways.”

He reminded motorists to be mindful of the state law requiring all drivers to either move a lane over or slow down to at least 20 mph below the speed limit when encountering a stationary vehicle, especially one with its hazard lights on. 

“It is not a crime to take it slow during mountain conditions in Colorado,” McKinley said.