Snow to Impact Denver Commutes, Foothills See Heavy Accumulations

A winter storm will bring snow to the Denver metro area and heavy accumulations to the Colorado foothills on Friday.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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A cold front will slide into the Denver area overnight, bringing rain that will transition to snow by early Friday morning. The snow will intensify during the late morning and afternoon hours, leading to wet and potentially hazardous road conditions for both the morning and evening commutes. While the Denver metro area is expected to see 1-3 inches of snow, the foothills and mountains could receive over a foot of accumulation, raising concerns about avalanche danger.

Why it matters

This winter storm will disrupt travel and daily routines for many in the Denver area, as the snow will make driving conditions treacherous. The heavy snowfall in the foothills and mountains also raises the risk of avalanches, which can threaten both infrastructure and public safety.

The details

The snow is expected to begin after midnight on Friday morning, with the heaviest snowfall occurring between late morning and 4 PM. Roads in the Denver metro area could see 1-3 inches of accumulation, while the foothills and mountains may receive over a foot of snow. The Colorado Department of Transportation has issued winter storm warnings and advisories for the central and northern mountains, as well as the foothills, due to the dangerous driving conditions and heightened avalanche risk.

  • The snow will begin after midnight on Friday, March 6th.
  • The heaviest snow is expected between late Friday morning and 4 PM.
  • Winter storm warnings and advisories are in place across the central and northern mountains, as well as the foothills.

The players

Colorado Department of Transportation

The state agency responsible for maintaining and improving Colorado's transportation infrastructure, including highways and roads.

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What’s next

The Colorado Department of Transportation will be closely monitoring road conditions and avalanche risk throughout the day on Friday, and may issue advisories or closures as needed to ensure public safety.

The takeaway

This winter storm is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Colorado's weather, and the importance of being prepared for sudden changes in conditions, especially during the commute. Residents should plan ahead, allow extra time, and exercise caution when traveling on Friday.