A winter storm warning for the mountains, along with a winter storm watch for the Front Range, was issued Friday by the National Weather Service in Boulder.

Unusually high amounts of moisture in the atmosphere are moving into the region from the Gulf of Mexico Saturday, making storm impact predictions difficult, according to The Denver Gazette’s partner 9News.

Snow is expected to move north from the Southern and Southwest mountains and will likely impact the I-70 corridor, including US 40 over Berthoud pass, on Friday and Saturday.

Widespread accumulations in the mountains could be as much as 1 to 2 feet.

Heavy recreation traffic should be expected, along with possible delays for snow removal and avalanche mitigation.

A rain and snow mix is likely along the foothills and the Monument Hill-Palmer Divide area and east of I-25 Friday night through Saturday.

Denver International Airport officials said operations will continue to run normally and they will upgrade snow prep operations as needed.

“At this time, with the unpredictability of the snow forecast model, DEN will monitor the system and plan accordingly,” said a spokesperson for the airport.

Winds of 10 to 20 mph gusting to 25 can be expected through the weekend.

Accumulations of snow are not expected east of I-25.

Skies are expected to clear on Sunday and Monday, with temperature lows in the 20s and 30s and highs in the 40s to 50s.

The Colorado Department of Transportation said mountain travelers should be aware of state traction law requirements:

• Chain law restrictions for commercial transportation are likely to be in place across most mountain passes.

• Adequate snow tires or alternate traction devices are likely to be required for passenger vehicles.

• Delays for winter operations and snow removal are to be expected on mountain passes.