Snow in forecast for mountains around Aspen

September 15, 2011 – ASPEN — A slow-moving storm is expected to bring the mountains surrounding Aspen an early taste of snow on Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service. The agency has issued a winter weather advisory for the central and southwest mountains of Colorado, including the Elk Mountains surrounding Aspen. Snow is expected to begin accumulating above 12,000 feet in elevation at around 9 p.m. Wednesday. Snow levels could drop as low as 9,000 feet, the weather service said. By Thursday morning, 2 to 6 inches of snow are possible above 10,000 feet. Hazardous overnight driving conditions are possible on mountain passes, cautioned the weather service. “Places such as Vail and Independence passes, Monarch Pass and Red Mountain Pass will experience some snow and slush accumulation, creating hazardous, early season winter-driving conditions,” the weather service said. Independence Pass, southeast of Aspen, remains open. It closes for the winter in early November unless winter weather forces the Colorado Department of Transportation to lock the gates early. Wednesday night’s winter weather advisory expires at 6 a.m. Thursday. –Aspen Times