A large low pressure system is pulling moisture into Colorado today with up to 8″ forecasted for the higher elevations of the San Juan mountains reports NOAA.
Related:Â Colorado To See High Elevation Snow With 6-12″ By Friday [Powderchasers]
The Elk Mountains will also get in on the action with the taller mountains surrounding Crested Butte and Aspen set to receive between 2-6″ of fresh snow. The new snowfall will continue to accelerate a cooling trend in the west that has been underway for almost two weeks now.
“Low pressure over the southwest U.S. will push abundant moisture into southern parts of eastern Utah and western Colorado today, with measurable rainfall for many areas south of I-70. The low will move into Utah tonight. With plentiful moisture remaining in place and cooler air moving in, several inches of snow will fall over the San Juan Mountains tonight, with a couple of inches in the central mountains. Rain chances will continue through Thursday before the low moves north into Wyoming. This will limit precip. to the mountains on Friday. Temperatures will remain cool for the next couple of days.” – NWS Grand Junction
Since that cooling trend began, skiers have been able to ski at places like Mt Bachelor and various areas of Montana. But beware– early season snowpack is not only thin but can be especially precarious if followed but dry, cold spells that cause faceting and unstable layers upon which a slide could be easily triggered.
“Significant high elevation snow will be possible over the San Juan Mountains Wednesday night and Thursday as an early season storm impacts the region. As the system moves closer to the region on Wednesday, colder air is expected to pass over the San Juans allowing snow levels to lower to around 10,000 feet as precipitation increases.
The dropping snow levels, combined with abundant moisture, cooling temperatures, and favorable southerly winds, may result in a period of moderate to heavy snowfall for the San Juans Wednesday night and Thursday.
Please note this is an early season storm and uncertainty remains with exact snow levels and amounts due to the warm nature of this system. As such, forecasts will adjust as confidence increases. Be sure to visit our website atwww.weather.gov/gjt for the latest information on this developing storm!” – NWS Grand Junction
Telluride:
Aspen:
Crested Butte:
Winter Weather Advisory [San Juans]
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 AM MDT THURSDAY ABOVE 10000 FEET…
* LOCATIONS…San Juans mountains near and above 10,000 feet.
* TIMING…Snow will begin after 3PM and continue through Thursday morning.
* SNOW ACCUMULATION…4 to 8 inches with locally higher amounts possible.
* SNOW LEVEL…11,000 feet but possibly lowering to 10,000 feet under heavier showers.
* WINDS…Southeast 10 to 15 MPH.
* VISIBILITY…Down to 1/2 mile at times.
* IMPACTS…Travel on mountain roads and passes will become difficult this afternoon and overnight.
Winter Weather Advisory [Elk Mountains]
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM 3 PM THIS AFTERNOON TO 9 AM MDT THURSDAY ABOVE 10000 FEET…
* LOCATIONS…Central mountains above 10,000 feet.
* TIMING…Snow will begin after 3PM and continue through Thursday morning.
* SNOW ACCUMULATION…2 to 4 inches with locally higher amounts possible.
* SNOW LEVEL…11,000 feet but possibly lowering to 10,000 feet under heavier showers.
* WINDS…East 10 to 15 MPH.
* VISIBILITY…Down to 1/2 mile at times.
* IMPACTS…Travel on mountain roads will become difficult this
afternoon and overnight.