That's supposed to be the heaviest snow fall period for the storm. I'd look at leaving earlier. You don't want to be on the road as a non local at sundown or at dark if this things ripping and you're a novice in snow trying to navigate 70 or even worse Hoosier pass. I'd highly suggest trying to leave before sunset and finish the drive while the suns still up. Once the sun sets, it turns up on a different level.
Not trying to fear monger here, but it's supposed to be a total **** show from the Continental Divide east to 25. They're forecasting heavier snow there than in most of the high country. Monument Hill expected to push 24 inches +.
Needless to say, traction laws are already in effect for Vail Pass and Eisenhower.
Here the projected snowfall at 6pm. You REALLY don't want to be driving in the high country through what's pink on this map. I live here, I grew up here, I have an amazing jeep that's very well balanced and studded snow tires, and with all of that said, the thought of driving 100+ miles in ALL pink is not a plan I'd pursue or push in anyone especially people that aren't from here. I HIGHLY recommend getting into the foothills early because when this things bites and starts to turn, it's going to be a total cluster ****.
Edit to add: the snow totals only ramp up significantly after 6pm for the foothills and front range. Right now it looks like 3pm is about the time the faucet is going to start ripping East of the divide. I'd highly highly highly highly (like 100x more times) being on the road and through Vail pass by that time. It's gonna be wet and heavy snow which usually means an abundance of accidents especially since the roads are already wet with rain. When it pushes through, it's gonna be a ****ing icy ***** and given that it's spring break, the likelihood of a freeway closure is even higher than normal and right now in my personal opinion I don't see 70 being open for too long once this hits.
Here's the 2pm, 3pm, 4pm, and 5pm projected snowfalls. As you'll see, once 3pm hits 70 etc are basically covered until the storm passes.
Edit to also add:
If 70 is closed and you're not accustomed to driving in the snow. The last 2 places I'd want to be at night in a ripper are over Hoosier Pass or on 24/6 between Leadville and Vail. Those are 2 lane roads w no lights, lots of turns, no cell reception, and far far far worse plowing than 70. AND the drop off the side isn't gradual…If 70s closed, that's the universe telling you to hang out. Hoosier and 24 make me nervous in snowstorms and I've driven 6/24 I can't count how many thousands of times.
Oh yeah and since you're driving to BC that also means you'll have Dowd Junction between Vail and Avon. It's not a pass, it's a little mile long junction, but it gets gnarly. Another spot you'd much prefer to be through before sundown.
Just for reference: I just left GWS to head to Vail and I'm not assuming I'll be able to get home tonight. Packed an overnight bag.
United is also already notifying customers flying out of EGE that flights will be significantly delayed if not cancelled tonight. My brother already got the notification to rebook and decided why not since it'll be a powder day tomorrow morning. Just an example of what they're expecting and they usually have pretty great weather intel.
Cliff notes: leave ASAP.
