It is a busy Saturday in the Centennial State. If you've looked out the window in Colorado Springs or Pueblo this morning, you probably saw that thin, annoying layer of white dust. It wasn't a massive blizzard, but it was enough to make the I-25 corridor feel like a skating rink for the early commuters. Honestly, it’s just one of those classic January days where the state feels like it’s moving in ten different directions at once.
From the dirt floors of the National Western Stock Show in Denver to a high-stakes basketball game happening way out in West Virginia, there is a lot to keep track of regarding what happened in Colorado today live.
The Morning Slush and the Deep Freeze
The big story for anyone trying to get around this morning was the "sneaky" snow. Meteorologists at KRDO and the National Weather Service were tracking a dusting that hit El Paso and Pueblo counties hard before sunrise. It didn't look like much—maybe an inch in most spots—but with temperatures hovering in the 30s, that moisture stayed slick.
If you're heading out now, the flurries have mostly tapped out, but the wind is starting to kick up. We're looking at gusts around 20 mph this evening. That’s going to make the wind chill feel like it’s in the 20s. Basically, if you’re planning on hitting the downtown bars or heading to a late-night movie, bring the heavy coat. You’ll need it.
The good news? Tomorrow looks like a total 180. High pressure is moving in, and we’re expecting hits of 40 to 50 degrees. It’s that classic Colorado "wait five minutes and the weather changes" vibe.
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The National Western Stock Show Hits Its Peak
If you aren't hiding from the cold, you're probably at the National Western Complex. Today, January 17, is one of the biggest days for the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. It’s the middle of the run (it goes until the 25th), and the energy is pretty electric.
Today’s schedule is packed:
- The Wild West Show is running multiple performances, taking people back to the Buffalo Bill days.
- The Pro Rodeo sets are happening afternoon and night.
- The "McGregor Skate" is happening over at the Home Team Skate event for those who want to be active.
It’s not just about cows and horses, though. The trade show is massive this year. You’ve got people walking around in $1,000 Stetson hats right next to families just trying to find the best funnel cake. It’s a Denver staple for a reason.
Sports: The Buffs and the Broncos
There is a massive "first" happening for the University of Colorado today. The Buffs men's basketball team is in Morgantown to face West Virginia. This is a big deal because it’s the first time CU has ever played a game in the state of West Virginia.
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Coach Tad Boyle’s squad is 12-5 and trying to shake off a tough loss to Cincinnati. Keep an eye on Isaiah Johnson—the freshman has been carrying a huge load lately. Tip-off is at 4:05 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network. If they win this, they match their entire conference win total from last year. That’s a huge step for the program.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets are hosting the Washington Wizards tonight at Ball Arena. After some ups and downs in the early season, the Nuggets are looking to solidify their home-court dominance. And for the football fans, the buzz around town is all about the Divisional Playoff game between the Broncos and the Bills. Even if you aren't a sports person, you can't escape the orange and blue jerseys everywhere today.
Traffic and Mountain Travel
If you’re thinking about a "Saturday Shred" up at Breckenridge or Vail, hopefully, you left at 5:00 a.m. CDOT reports are showing the usual heavy volume on I-70.
A few things to watch for on the roads:
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- I-70 Eastbound: There are shoulder closures near MP 323 to 325 that might cause some rubbernecking.
- I-270: Waze users have been reporting the usual standstill traffic near the US 36 junction.
- Mountain Passes: Winds are the biggest threat right now. While the snow is light, the gusts can push high-profile vehicles around, especially near the Eisenhower Tunnel.
Why Today Matters for the Rest of the Week
Looking at what happened in Colorado today live, we are seeing a shift in the state's rhythm. The 2026 Legislative Session just kicked off a few days ago at the Capitol, and we’re starting to see the first wave of public hearings.
Also, we are in the lead-up to the Martin Luther King Jr. "Marade" on Monday. Most city and county offices have already put out notices that they’ll be closed. If you have errands at the DMV or city hall, you basically have today or you’re waiting until Tuesday.
Actionable Insights for Coloradans Today:
- Check your tires: The refreeze tonight is going to be real. Any melted slush from this afternoon will turn into black ice by 8:00 p.m.
- Hydrate: It’s dry and windy. The "Colorado headache" is a real thing when the wind kicks up like this.
- Ticket Check: If you're heading to the Stock Show, buy tickets online. The gate lines have been brutal this afternoon.
- Basketball Fans: Tune into 630 AM KHOW if you’re stuck in traffic and want to catch the Buffs game.
Stay warm out there. Whether you're at the rodeo or just trying to survive the I-25 trek, it’s a quintessential winter day in the Rockies.