A late-season snowstorm is set to bring significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the Rocky Mountains on May 4, 2026, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo celebrations. Forecasts predict snowfall totals of up to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park.
Key snowfall predictions:
- 10 to 24 inches of snow expected across the Front Range foothills.
- I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie could see 8 to 16 inches from Monday night through Wednesday noon.
- A separate Winter Storm Warning covers Arlington and Elk Mountain along I-80, predicting 5 to 10 inches of snow.
Travel conditions are expected to be very difficult, with officials warning that travel could be very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Tuesday. Heavy snow will create whiteout conditions, accompanied by wind gusts reaching up to 45 mph.
In Cheyenne, total snow accumulation could range from 4 to 8 inches through Wednesday. The storm is forecasted to exit the area by Wednesday afternoon, bringing warmer conditions by Thursday.
This weather event follows a recent warm spell, where temperatures in Denver reached highs of 70 degrees Fahrenheit before the storm. Such drastic changes highlight the unpredictable nature of spring weather in the Rockies.
The historic problem spot remains the stretch west of Rawlins toward Bitter Creek and the Continental Divide, where previous storms have seen drift heights reach four feet.
