An unseasonably potent system of winter weather is currently affecting the mountain of central and northern Colorado today and NOAA is predicting upwards of a foot of fresh above treeline.
While Summit County is included in the advisory, the heaviest snowfall totals will be located north of I-70 and east of the continental divide. Berthoud Pass and Cameron are both positioned to see big snowfall totals.
“Snow showers will continue on Thursday in the mountains with additional snowfall of 2 to 5 inches possible. Across lower elevations, there will be scattered afternoon and evening rain and snow showers but no accumulation is expected. The snow will diminish in the mountains late Thursday night.” – NWS Boulder
Loveland Pass should see lighter accumulations in the 1-4″ range but cold temps should remain in place, giving snowmakers ideal conditions for blowing whale tails.
Cameron Pass:
Berthoud Pass:
Loveland Pass:
Winter Weather Advisory:
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 9 PM MDT THIS EVENING…
* WHAT…Snowfall, briefly heavy at times on the mountain passes. Snowfall should taper off this evening with the departing storm system. Total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches are likely, with up to a foot of snow possible up around timberline.
* WHERE…Rabbit Ears Pass, Rocky Mountain National Park, the Medicine Bow Range, the Mountains of Summit County, the Mosquito Range and the Indian Peaks Wilderness Area.
* WHEN…Until 9 PM MDT tonight.
* ADDITIONAL DETAILS…Plan on slippery and possibly snow covered road ways. Hazardous winter driving conditions will impact travel in the northern Colorado mountains through this evening, particularly on the high mountain passes.
Hazardous Weather Outlook:Â
DAY ONE…Today and Tonight
A compact upper level weather disturbance passing over Colorado today will produce snowfall possibly heavy at times in the high country, and scattered rain and snow showers at lower elevations. By this evening the higher slopes and mountain passes will see anywhere from 3 to 8 inches of snow accumulation, with possibly up to a foot of snow in the Park Range and up above timberline. At lower elevations, warmer temperatures will prevent much snow accumulation, although a few of the heavier showers moving off the foothills later today could deposit a quick inch or so of snow mainly on non-paved surfaces. This showery precipitation should end from west to east this evening with the departing storm. Count on another chilly night with sub-freezing temperatures for just about everywhere by midnight.
DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…Thursday through Tuesday
Snow showers will continue on Thursday in the mountains with additional snowfall of 2 to 5 inches possible. Across lower elevations, there will be scattered afternoon and evening rain and snow showers but no accumulation is expected. The snow will diminish in the mountains late Thursday night. Dry and warmer on Friday with temperatures rebounding back into the 50s by Friday afternoon over the plains.
Another storm system is expected to move into Northern Colorado Saturday afternoon and evening with snow developing in the mountains, while rain showers will turn to all snow across the plains Saturday night. Some snow accumulation is possible for the mountains and plains by Sunday morning.
Dry and warmer again for Monday and Tuesday as temperatures climb back into the 50s and possibly 60s.