Colorado skiers and snowboarders have reason to celebrate this weekend as significant snowfall is expected across several of the state’s mountain ranges, with over two feet possible in some areas. Winter Storm Warnings and Winter Weather Advisories are currently in effect across the region through Saturday evening.
Winter Storm Warning
The Elkhead and Park Mountains, Flat Tops, Gore and Elk Mountains/Central Mountain Valleys, and West Elk and Sawatch Mountains are all under Winter Storm Warnings. Heavy snow is expected throughout these regions, with the most significant accumulations hitting the Elkhead and Park Mountains.
The Elkhead and Park Mountains, including Columbine, Hahns Peak, and Toponas, could see total snow accumulations between 8 and 26 inches, with winds gusting as high as 60 mph. A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 5 PM MST this afternoon, followed by the Winter Storm Warning from 5 PM this afternoon through 11 PM MST Saturday.
The Flat Tops area, including Buford and Trappers Lake, is expected to receive 6 to 19 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Meanwhile ski areas like Aspen, Snowmass, Vail, and Crested Butte could see 6 to 13 inches of accumulation.
Winter Weather Advisory
The Upper Yampa River Basin (including Steamboat Springs), Central Colorado River Basin, and Grand and Battlement Mesas are all under Winter Weather Advisories, with can 3 to 12 inches of snow expected in these areas (highest totals in Steamboat Springs).
Travel conditions are expected to be difficult to impossible at times, especially Friday night into Saturday morning. The National Weather Service recommends delaying all travel if possible. If travel is absolutely necessary, drivers should exercise extreme caution and carry a winter storm kit including tire chains, flashlight, shovel, blankets, water, and first aid supplies.
