A late-season snowstorm is set to bring significant snowfall and hazardous travel conditions to the Rocky Mountains on May 4, 2026. Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for parts of Wyoming and Colorado. The storm coincides with Cinco de Mayo celebrations, raising concerns for travelers.
Forecasts predict snowfall totals of 10 to 24 inches across the Front Range foothills and Rocky Mountain National Park. Travel could be very difficult to impossible at times, especially late Tuesday.
I-80 between Cheyenne and Laramie is expected to receive 8 to 16 inches of snow 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.
Heavy snow is expected to create whiteout conditions with wind gusts up to 45 mph. Cheyenne could see between 4 and 8 inches of total snow accumulation through Wednesday.
The storm will move out of the Rockies by Wednesday afternoon, leaving behind colder and more wintry conditions. Warmer temperatures are expected to return on Thursday.
The historic problem spot is the stretch west of Rawlins toward Bitter Creek and the Continental Divide, where drift heights have hit four feet in past storms. Officials urge caution for anyone traveling during this time.