Colorado’s mountainous regions are preparing for a significant snowfall that could disrupt travel through Thursday, according to the 9NEWS Weather Impact Team. Much-needed moisture is on the way, with widespread rain and snow anticipated particularly in the western mountains.
Winter Storm Warnings have been issued for the northern mountains, notably the Park Range, where areas such as Rabbit Ears could see snowfall totals reach up to 20 inches at the highest elevations. Lesser, yet substantial accumulations of 4 to 8 inches are expected throughout Thursday.
Travelers along Interstate 70 should prepare for challenging conditions, especially on Thursday morning. The mountains in Summit County, the Mosquito Range, and the Indian Peaks are under Winter Weather Advisories, with total snow accumulations projected between 4 to 10 inches and wind gusts of up to 40 mph.
Drivers navigating Colorado’s mountain roads should expect slick conditions and reduced visibility during this winter event. Meanwhile, the 9NEWS Weather Impact Team has indicated that the Denver metro area could experience rain showers beginning late Thursday, transitioning to a rain/snow mix overnight into Friday as temperatures dip into the low 30s. Mainly wet roads are expected around the Front Range and plains, with limited travel disruptions.
Looking ahead, another round of mountain snow is forecast for Friday, alongside scattered rain showers in the metro area, with highs reaching the mid to upper 50s in Denver. As the weekend approaches, skiers and snowboarders will be excited about the fresh powder, with clearer skies anticipated statewide by Saturday. Valentine’s Day promises a dry and mostly sunny outlook across the state, with highs in the upper 50s, eventually rising into the mid to upper 60s by Sunday and Monday.
Encouragingly, meteorologists expect a more active storm pattern to emerge in the coming weeks, potentially providing a series of storms that may help improve the seasonal snowpack across the mountains, bringing positive news for winter sports enthusiasts and the overall ecosystem.