Key Takeaways
- Two waves of snow are expected to hit Colorado between Christmas Day and Sunday morning, bringing significant snowfall to various parts of the state.
- The more likely scenario predicts 12-18 inches of snow in most mountain ranges, with some areas potentially receiving more.
- A less likely but more impactful scenario (10% chance) could bring 24-30 inches of snow to some areas.
- The Front Range, including the Denver metro area, may see a few inches of snow through Sunday morning.
- Steamboat and Wolf Creek Ski areas are expected to receive around 13 inches of snow over the next five days.
Introduction to the Snowfall Forecast
Two waves of snow are set to hit the state of Colorado between Christmas Day and Sunday morning, bringing with them significant snowfall to various parts of the state. According to the National Weather Service, the snowfall totals could range from 18 to 30 inches in some areas, with the more likely scenario predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow in most mountain ranges. This snowfall is expected to have a significant impact on the state’s snowpack, which currently sits at about 54 percent of the norm for the date.
Snowfall Predictions for Mountain Ranges
In the more likely scenario, most of Colorado’s mountain ranges are expected to receive snow in the range of 12 to 18 inches through Sunday morning. However, some areas are expected to receive even more snow, including the Park Range near Steamboat Springs and the peaks in the Aspen area. These areas could potentially receive over 18 inches of snow, making them ideal destinations for skiers and snowboarders. The less likely but more impactful high-end snowfall scenario, which has a 10% chance of occurring, predicts even deeper totals, with peak totals potentially reaching 24 to 30 inches in some areas.
Impact on the Front Range
Both scenarios predict a chance of snow through Sunday morning on the Front Range, including the Denver metro area. However, the snowfall totals are expected to be relatively low, with most areas receiving no more than a few inches of snow. This is good news for travelers and commuters, who can expect minimal disruptions to their plans. However, it’s always a good idea to check the latest weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change quickly.
Ski Area Snowfall Predictions
According to OpenSnow, Steamboat and Wolf Creek Ski areas are expected to receive significant snowfall over the next five days. Each area has a chance of receiving around 13 inches of snow, making them ideal destinations for skiers and snowboarders. The full report from OpenSnow can be found online, providing more detailed information on the expected snowfall totals and conditions.
Visualizing the Snowfall Scenarios
The National Weather Service has released maps depicting both the more likely and less likely snowfall scenarios. The maps show the expected snowfall totals for various parts of the state, with the more likely scenario predicting 12 to 18 inches of snow in most mountain ranges. The less likely high-end scenario, which has a 10% chance of occurring, predicts deeper totals, with peak totals potentially reaching 24 to 30 inches in some areas. These maps can be found online, providing a visual representation of the expected snowfall totals and helping individuals plan their activities accordingly.
Current Snowpack Conditions
As of the morning of December 25, Colorado’s snowpack sits at about 54 percent of the norm for the date. This is a significant deficit, and the upcoming snowfall is expected to help alleviate it. The snowpack is an important indicator of the state’s water supply, and a strong snowpack is essential for ensuring adequate water levels throughout the year. The expected snowfall over the next few days is expected to help improve the snowpack, but more snowfall will be needed to bring it up to normal levels.
Staying Informed
It’s essential to stay informed about the latest weather forecast and snowpack conditions. The National Weather Service and OpenSnow provide regular updates on the expected snowfall totals and conditions, and individuals can sign up for newsletters and alerts to stay informed. By staying informed, individuals can plan their activities accordingly and make the most of the upcoming snowfall. Whether you’re a skier, snowboarder, or simply someone who enjoys the winter weather, it’s an exciting time to be in Colorado, and the expected snowfall is sure to bring plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun and adventure.
