Snow Squall Warning Issued for Central Routt County, Colorado
The National Weather Service has issued a Snow Squall Warning for central Routt County, including Steamboat Springs, as intense snow and 50 mph winds create life-threatening travel conditions.
Alert Details
The National Weather Service in Grand Junction has issued a Snow Squall Warning for central Routt County in northwestern Colorado. The alert was issued at 5:55 AM MST following radar detection of a dangerous snow squall moving east at 30 mph.
Affected Areas
The warning specifically impacts central Routt County. Impacted locations include:
- Steamboat Springs
- Milner
- Tow Creek
Travel is expected to be hazardous on major thoroughfares, including U.S. Highway 40 between mile markers 112 and 139, and Colorado 131 between mile markers 66 and 68.
What You Should Do
Motorists are urged to slow down immediately. Rapid changes in visibility and road conditions are expected with this dangerous snow squall. Drivers should remain alert for sudden whiteout conditions and consider delaying travel until the squall has passed the area.
Expected Conditions
According to the NWS, the following hazards are present:
- Intense Snow: Bursts of heavy snow will lead to visibility rapidly falling to less than one-quarter mile.
- High Winds: Wind gusts greater than 50 mph are expected, which could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
- Travel Impact: Dangerous and life-threatening travel conditions are expected to develop rapidly within the warning area.
Timeline
The Snow Squall Warning is effective immediately and is scheduled to expire at 6:45 AM MST on February 17, 2026.
Source: NOAA Official Notice