A winter weather advisory has been issued for Colorado’s central and northern mountains from midnight on Monday through 6 p.m. on Tuesday. 

Around 3-8 inches could accumulate during that time on high mountain passes, with some of the highest peaks along the Front Range seeing possibly a foot or more, according to the National Weather Service. Little to no snow accumulation is expected in mountain valleys. 

The weather service is warning of slippery and slushy road conditions over high mountain passes, with hazardous conditions expected to impact commutes on Tuesday morning and into the evening. 

Meteorologist Joel Gratz wrote in a Sept. 22 blog on OpenSnow.com that while “any northern and central mountain could see a dusting to a few inches of snow near and above 10,000 feet, the continental divide from about I-70 northward to Wyoming could see more significant snow.”

“It is impossible to know exactly where the most intense band of snow will set up on Tuesday, but some area along the divide, from near I-70 north to Cameron Pass, could push 10 inches of snow,” Gratz said, adding that the big caveat is that a lot of the precipitation will fall during the daytime on Tuesday. 

That means the “high-ish sun angle could lower the accumulation and cause quick melting or consolidation,” Gratz said. 

Gratz predicts the weather will return to warmer conditions following this storm, with no significant cool spells or snowfall likely through the rest of September. 

The state’s chain and traction laws are also now in effect. From now until May 31, vehicles under 16,000 pounds traveling on any portion of I-70 between Morrison and Dotsero must carry tire chains for two or more tires, an approved alternate traction device or tires with a tread depth of at least three-sixteenths of an inch rated for either “all weather” or “mud and snow.” Drivers could face a $50 fee with a $17 surcharge for failing to comply. 

Commercial vehicles and buses are also required to carry chains or an approved alternative traction device on I-70 west of Morrison, on Colorado Highway 9 between Frisco and Fairplay, on U.S. Route 40 west of Empire and on U.S. Route 50 west of Salida. Failure to comply could result in fines ranging between $500 and $1,150.