Key Takeaways:
- A winter storm is expected to bring over a foot of snow to parts of Colorado’s high country on Friday, with another storm forecasted to arrive on Monday.
- The snowstorm is expected to raise avalanche concerns and slow traffic during the extended holiday weekend.
- Snowpack levels are currently far below average for this time of year, and December brought above-normal temperatures across the state.
- The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued a special avalanche advisory for the Elk and West Elk mountains, warning backcountry travelers of increased risk.
- Drivers should be aware of strong wind gusts and traction laws in effect for many roads across the high country.
Introduction to the Winter Storm
The state of Colorado is bracing for a significant winter storm that is expected to bring over a foot of snow to parts of the high country on Friday. A winter weather advisory is in effect through 5 p.m. Friday for the Park Range and northern Front Range, where forecasters expect the highest snow totals. Up to 9 inches are forecast for the Park Range in northwestern Colorado and up to 7 inches along the northern Front Range, according to forecasts with the National Weather Service’s Office in Boulder. This storm comes after weeks of high temperatures and a generally dry stretch, punctuated by an early December system that dumped more than a foot of snow in some areas.
Avalanche Concerns and Traffic Delays
The snowstorm is raising avalanche concerns and is expected to slow traffic during the extended holiday weekend. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center has issued a special avalanche advisory for the Elk and West Elk mountains, warning backcountry travelers of increased risk. Large avalanches that could "seriously injure or kill someone" are possible, and the center is advising all backcountry travelers to check the avalanche forecast regularly and adjust plans accordingly. Avalanche danger is "considerable" in the Park Range north of Steamboat Springs, and people in the backcountry can trigger avalanches that break in the new snow or on the interface of the new and old snow.
Current Weather Conditions and Forecast
Snowpack levels are far below average for this time of year, and December brought above-normal temperatures across the state. Akron, on the Eastern Plains, had its warmest December since the weather service began recording, and saw a record 13 days with highs of 60 degrees or higher. Denver saw an "impressive stretch" of temperatures that were well above normal, and even with cold snaps at the start and end of the month, December finished as the city’s second-warmest. Farther west, Dillon had its second-warmest December and for the first time on record, had a low temperature above freezing. A second storm on Monday could bring several inches to the same areas, as well as the Interstate 70 corridor.
Long-Term Weather Outlook
While the current snowstorm is a welcome relief, the state is still behind schedule in terms of snowfall. "The snowiest months are still ahead, so there’s still opportunity to make up for some lost ground," said Bruno Rodriguez, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service’s Office in Boulder. "But we are quite a bit behind schedule." Typically, by this time of year, the state would have had a few more significant snow systems. However, with the next couple of months expected to see an upward trend in snowfall in the mountains, there is still hope for a rebound.
Driver Safety and Precautions
Drivers should be aware of strong wind gusts, up to 60 mph, that could lower visibility from blowing snow. The Colorado Department of Transportation has traction laws in effect for many roads across the high country, which means passenger vehicles must have mud or snow tires or use chains or alternative traction devices or have four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. With the storm expected to bring significant snowfall and strong winds, drivers should exercise caution and check the latest road conditions before traveling.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the winter storm expected to hit Colorado’s high country on Friday is a significant event that will bring much-needed snow to the state. However, it also raises avalanche concerns and is expected to slow traffic during the extended holiday weekend. With snowpack levels far below average and above-normal temperatures in December, the state is still behind schedule in terms of snowfall. Drivers should be aware of strong wind gusts and traction laws in effect for many roads across the high country, and backcountry travelers should check the avalanche forecast regularly and adjust plans accordingly. As the state looks to the next couple of months, there is still hope for a rebound in terms of snowfall, but for now, it’s essential to prioritize safety and caution.