Denver, Colorado — Winter is making another comeback across parts of the Rockies as a powerful late-season storm prepares to bring heavy mountain snow, slippery travel conditions, and possible power outages to portions of Colorado and Wyoming through early next week.
Forecasters say the storm could become the second major snow event of May for some areas, an unusual pattern for a time of year when accumulating snowfall typically starts fading across the region.
Mountain Snow Expected to Intensify
Meteorologists say the incoming system will focus more heavily on the higher elevations of Colorado while also extending farther north into Wyoming compared to the storm earlier this month.
“There are some differences between this storm and the storm from May 5-6,” meteorologists said. “This storm will focus more on the higher elevations of Colorado and will also track farther north than the storm earlier this month.”
The heavy and wet nature of the snow is raising concerns about its impact on trees and power infrastructure. Officials warn that the snow could cling to tree branches and power lines, potentially causing localized outages and fallen limbs in some mountain communities.
Snow Totals Could Reach 12 Inches
Forecasters predict that parts of the Colorado Rockies, Wyoming’s Bighorn and Teton ranges, and Utah’s Wasatch Range could receive 6–12 inches of snowfall, with isolated higher totals possible on the tallest peaks.
In Wyoming, cities like Laramie and Rawlins may see 3–6 inches of snow, similar to totals from the early May storm system.
Meanwhile, Cheyenne is forecast to receive another 1–3 inches of snow after already picking up nearly 9 inches during the May 5-6 storm.
Despite the returning winter conditions, forecasters do not expect major snow accumulation in Denver.
“While some wet snow may mix with rain showers in Denver from late Sunday night into Monday, we do not expect accumulation in the city or at the airport,” forecasters said. “Colorado Springs and Pueblo are expected to remain all rain.”
Travel Conditions Could Become Hazardous
The storm is also expected to create difficult driving conditions in portions of the Rockies, especially at higher elevations along major interstate routes.
Motorists traveling on Interstate 80 in Wyoming could encounter slushy and slick roads between Cheyenne and Laramie, where elevations climb to approximately 8,600 feet.
Farther south, drivers along Interstate 70 near the Eisenhower-Johnson tunnels west of Denver may also face snow-covered stretches and reduced visibility at elevations nearing 11,000 feet.
Weather experts noted that long-distance travelers could experience dramatically different weather conditions over short distances — ranging from snow in the Rockies to severe thunderstorms and torrential rainfall across the Plains and Mississippi Valley.
Drought-Stricken Region Desperately Needs Moisture
Although the storm may create short-term disruptions, officials say the moisture is badly needed across the western United States, where drought conditions remain severe.
Snowfall totals over the past six months in parts of the central Rockies have reached only 25% to 50% of normal historical averages, raising concerns about water supplies later this summer.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, moderate to exceptional drought continues across large portions of the West. Exceptional drought is considered the most severe category.
Forecasters say any additional moisture — whether rain or snow — could help improve conditions, though it may not fully erase the long-term drought concerns facing the region.
As unusual spring snowfall returns to the Rockies once again, residents and travelers are being urged to stay weather-aware and prepare for rapidly changing conditions.
Do you think late-season snowstorms like this are becoming more common? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
