DENVER (KDVR) — A St. Patrick’s Day snowstorm is underway in Colorado. Metro roads are mainly wet, with slushy spots reported in some areas. Heavy snow is likely above 6,000 feet west and south of the Denver area.
Thursday is a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day. Snow will taper off between 9 a.m. and noon.
We will update this story throughout the day to keep you informed about the storm:
11:36 a.m.: CSP said the I-70 mountain corridor has reopened and is finally running clear from the Denver metro to the Continental Divide. The chain law has been dropped westbound but is still in effect eastbound from Idaho Springs.
10:29 a.m.: CDOT: I-25 southbound: Three right lanes closed due to a crash between Exit 192 – RidgeGate Parkway and Exit 188 – Castle Pines Parkway.
10:25 a.m.: Douglas County: Countyline and Quebec. Shout out to Douglas County snowplows; thanks for working hard to get roads cleared. Roads are still a bit slushy; danger of hydroplaning. Slow speeds mean you have a better chance of getting to your destination safely
9:10 a.m.: Rocky Mountain National Park: All roads snow packed and icy and traction laws in effect. Plows are working. Curtain burner at Glacier Basin Campground today so smoke may be visible. Snowing now at Bear Lake.
9 a.m.: City of Arvada: As of 7:00 am, the day shift began snow removal operations. It continues to snow with much of it melting quickly on the roadways. Snow is forecast to diminish this afternoon. We have 9 trucks deployed throughout the City.
8:35 a.m.: Due to a serious traffic crash Hwy. 52 east of Fort Lupton between CR 31 and CR 35 is shut down. No estimated time for reopening the Highway. We will send out updates as they become available.
7:43 a.m.: The westbound lanes of I-70 have reopened at Morrison road
7:30 a.m.: Castle Rock is on crash alert
7:15 a.m.: Denver Zoo will be closed today, March 17, due to the weather. The majority of our animals will need to remain in their indoor habitats for their safety and comfort. As always, we hope everyone is staying safe and warm out there!
6:40 a.m.: Douglas County is on crash alert
6:30 a.m.: Estes Park: Crews are responding to a large power outage from the Marys Lake area to High Drive. The outage map can be located at arcg.is/0bX8nK, and will be updated soon.
6:25 a.m.: Jefferson County Public Schools said mountain schools will be closed due to CDOT road closures. Here are the affected bus routes.
6 a.m.: The City of Aurora is on crash alert
5:15 a.m.: CDOT: I-70 eastbound- Road closed due to safety concerns at Exit 243 – Hidden Valley.
4:43 a.m.: Denver Public Schools: All DPS schools and offices are open today, 3/17, and operating on regular schedules. Please check with your school for updates on school-related events/activities.
4:42 a.m.: Rachel Skytta: Dangerous conditions along C-470 near Alameda. Roads are snowy, slushy and visibility is poor.
4:40 a.m.: Westbound I-70 remains closed between C-470 and Golden
Here are some helpful tools to have during this storm:
Be sure to download the free Pinpoint Weather App to stay up-to-date with the newest data as it comes in.
