Colorado’s northern and central mountains are bracing for a final round of snow this January. After some recent chill, warmer temperatures will soon make a return.
On Monday, these areas received between 5 to 10 inches of fresh snow. The popular Arapahoe Basin and Aspen region got about 8 to 9 inches, while places like Vail and Steamboat saw around 5 to 6 inches, according to a recent OpenSnow report.
Another storm is heading our way on Thursday and Friday. Braeden Winters, a Grand Junction meteorologist from the National Weather Service, predicts that this storm could add 4 to 8 inches more in the Western Slope mountains. However, he expressed some caution, noting that a shift in the storm’s path might significantly affect snowfall totals.
While this new snow could help improve Colorado’s low snowpack, it won’t be as much as many would hope. “Every inch counts, but we need more for a real boost,” said Winters.
This weather shift brings welcome cooler temperatures, especially after the unseasonably warm days in December. By Friday, mountain temperatures could drop to the teens, which is much more normal for this time of year.
Travelers should prepare for wet and icy roads, especially near Interstate 70, where snow accumulation is likely from Thursday evening to Friday night. Higher elevations may see the most significant snowfall.
Looking ahead, after this three-day storm, the forecast indicates a dry spell. No major snowfall is expected until January 17, with temperatures projected to be warmer than average but not as extreme as last month. Winters noted that temperatures might be 5 to 10 degrees above normal, a drop from December’s highs.
Interestingly, this season’s snowfall has been somewhat below average, leading to limited terrain available for skiing. As it stands, Wolf Creek and Silverton are the only ski resorts almost at full capacity. In contrast, several Aspen-area resorts have between 70% and 90% of their terrain open, showing the impact of this winter’s weather patterns.
In recent years, shifts in weather have sparked discussions among meteorologists about climate patterns. For example, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has noted a trend of warmer winters across the U.S., which could have implications for Colorado’s snowfall in the coming years. Understanding these patterns is essential for residents and enthusiasts who rely on winter sports.
For more on Colorado’s weather patterns, check out the Climate Prediction Center’s reports, which provide insights into long-term trends and forecasts.
