Late Season Snow Storm In The Rockies

news image
Special Stories
20 Apr 2018 4:11 PM
A late season storm is heading to Colorado, and it's about to dump some serious snow on the Rocky Mountains.  This is great news for several reasons.  We'll discuss those reasons in a moment.  But first, let's talk about timing. TIMING AND SETUP: The storm system has several low pressure areas.  This will draw moisture up from the Gulf of Mexico, while bringing in colder air from northern regions.  When you combine cold air with moisture, SNOW!  And in this case, plenty of it.  The snow begins on Friday, and continues overnight into Saturday morning. This is going to be a significant storm, producing some rather healthy snowfall totals.  Most areas above 9,000 feet will see between five and ten inches of snow.  There will be some isolated totals near 15 inches.  Winter Storm Advisories and Winter Storm Warnings are in effect through Saturday morning.  Please use extreme caution when traveling in the mountains.  Road closures are possible, and road conditions could become quite hazardous.  Expect travel delays as well. THE GOOD NEWS: First, it's still ski season in parts of Colorado, and April snow is music to the ears of both skiers and ski resorts.  This is actually the final weekend of skiing for several resorts including Breckenridge, Eldora, and Purgatory.  So the snow will come at a perfect time to cap off this year's season.  Nothing like some fresh powder to end off on a good note!  Winter Park, Loveland, and Arapahoe Basin are all still open as well. MORE GOOD NEWS: Colorado's snowpack serves two other very important purposes.  First, snow eventually turns into usable water for residents of the state.  Major cities like Denver and Colorado Springs depend heavily on snowmelt.  And this year, the snowpack is below normal across much of Colorado.  Statewide snowpack is averaging just 69 percent.  Some of southern Colorado's basins are less than one-third of normal levels.  This latest round of snow certainly won't bring snowpack levels back to 100 percent, but every bit of late season snow helps. And second, moisture from the snow will also help with fire mitigation.  Check out the drought monitor below.  The southern half of Colorado is in moderate to extreme drought.  Any moisture received now, may help alleviate fire danger later this summer when moisture is scarce, and lightning strikes are common. So enjoy what could be the last major round of snow this season.  And drive carefully if you're traveling in the mountains. For WeatherNation:  Meteorologist Matt Monroe      
All Weather News
More
Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

Fronts Continue To Spark Severe Weather Across the Plains

A cold front that brought record lows to the

18 Jul 2025 10:40 PM
Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme Heat Impacts for the East Coast & South

Extreme heat continues to impact several area

18 Jul 2025 10:05 PM
Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

Flooding Threat Remains Elevated in the East

A cold front pushing through the Eastern Seab

18 Jul 2025 9:10 PM
EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

EF-2 Firenado from the Deer Creek Fire in Utah

A fire tornado was spotted near La Sal, Utah

18 Jul 2025 7:30 AM
Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Tropical System Brings Flood Risk to the Central Gulf

Time has run out for notable tropical develop

18 Jul 2025 3:05 AM
Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Heavy Rain, Flooding Threat Returns to Florida

Keep the rain boots handy in Florida - heavy

13 Jul 2025 12:50 PM
Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Severe Storm Risk Pushes into the Great Lakes, Ohio Valley

Friday was another busy day with severe weath

12 Jul 2025 8:00 PM