Snow coming to Aspen high country

The first real snowstorm of the season could bring up to a foot of snow to the mountains surrounding Aspen this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A winter storm warning is in effect for an area that includes the Elk Mountains, which surround Aspen and Snowmass Village, and heavy snow is expected above 9,000 feet. (Incidentally, Aspen is at 7,900 feet, while Snowmass is at 8,000 feet.) Accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are expected by late Sunday night above 9,000 feet, the weather service said.

The storm warning is in effect from 6 p.m. Saturday to 6 a.m. Monday.

The strong Pacific storm will bring heavy snow to much of the mountains across western Colorado and eastern Utah, according to the weather service. Expect the snow to begin falling Saturday afternoon, generally above 9,000 feet, and continue in the mountains Sunday, the weather service predicted.

Gusty winds are also likely, causing blowing snow and creating hazardous driving conditions on high mountain passes, the weather service warned.

_{Bron:The AspenTimes}