Light Snow Expected to Blanket Colorado’s Mountains on New Year’s Day
Colorado’s mountains are set to receive a dusting of light snow on New Year’s Day, with up to 6 inches expected to fall on the state’s tallest peaks, according to the National Weather Service.
The snow is predicted to begin as early as 5 a.m. Thursday, with the chances of winter weather increasing after 11 a.m. and continuing through Friday evening.
As of Tuesday morning, the National Weather Service forecast indicated the following accumulations by 5 a.m. Friday:
- 1 inch on various mountain passes including Loveland Pass, Vail Pass, Berthoud Pass, and Hoosier Pass
- 1 inch at popular destinations like Grand Lake, Winter Park, Bear Lake, and Keystone Ski Area Summit
- 2 inches on passes such as Willow Creek Pass, Milner Pass, and Cameron Pass
- 3 inches on Muddy Pass
- 4 inches on Rabbit Ears Pass
- 6 inches on Mount Zirkel, the highest peak in the Park Range
Forecasts beyond 5 a.m. Friday were not available as of Tuesday morning, but snowfall is expected to persist into Friday evening.
While the mountains are bracing for snow, the Front Range and Denver area, along with Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Douglas, Jefferson, and Elbert counties, are not expected to see any snowfall. The Eastern Plains will also remain dry, according to the weather service.

