Winter Storm Warning as 30 Inches of Snow Approach: 'Hazardous'

It's been spring in the northern hemisphere for over a month, but the winter weather keeps coming for some parts of the country. This week, some heavy snow is headed for one portion of the country that could derail some spring camping or hiking plans.

Beginning on Monday night, a winter storm is set to bring heavy snow to parts of the Rocky Mountains, including Rocky Mountain National Park, as the National Weather Service (NWS) warns that travel could be "very difficult" and "hazardous."

Up to 30 Inches of Snow

On Monday afternoon, the NWS issued two separate winter storm warnings impacting areas of the Colorado Rockies, warning of up to 30 inches in some areas.

The first winter storm warning covered the Mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range, the Indian Peaks Wilderness, and the Southern Front Range foothills, impacting the cities of Evergreen, Winter Park, Eisenhower Tunnel, Williams Fork Mountains, Central City, Bailey, Idaho Springs, Mount Blue Sky, Westcreek, East Slopes Mosquito Range, Berthoud Pass, East Slopes Southern Gore Range, Georgetown, Indian Peaks, Breckenridge, and Kenosha Mountains.

"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 6 and 18 inches, with the heaviest snowfall favored along and north of I-70," the first advisory reads.

The winter storm advisory for those locations is in effect from noon Tuesday to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, with the heaviest snow expected on Tuesday night.

The second winter storm warning called for the heaviest amounts of snow, impacting Rocky Mountain National Park, Cameron Pass, Estes Park, Nederland, Willow Creek Pass, Red Feather Lakes, Laramie and Medicine Bow Mountains, Glendevey, and Rabbit Ears Range.

"Heavy snow expected. Total snow accumulations between 10 and 24 inches, heaviest above 8,000 feet. Isolated totals up to 30 inches possible across the higher mountains in Boulder and Larimer counties," the NWS warned in the second advisory.

'Very Difficult' and 'Hazardous' Travel

As a result of winter storms, the NWS warned that travel will be "very difficult" and "hazardous."

Heavy snow will accumulate on tree branches and powerlines, possibly causing them to break and lead to power outages. Travel could be very difficult. The hazardous conditions will impact the Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning commutes," the NWS warned.

If you must travel, the NWS warns to take precautions.

"If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for Colorado can be obtained by calling 511," the advisory reads.

Parks Impacted

This warning is especially pertinent for anyone planning spring hiking, camping, or ski trips to the Rocky Mountains, especially Rocky Mountain National Park, Cameron Pass, Estes Park, Nederland, Willow Creek Pass, Red Feather Lakes, Laramie and Medicine Bow Mountains, Glendevey, and Rabbit Ears Range.

If you are planning to visit those locations this week, perhaps it is best to reconsider as the weather will make travel quite difficult or impossible, and could lead to hazardous outdoor conditions.