Potential Winter Storm for the Central Rockies Next Weekend (Not This Weekend...Next Weekend)

news image
Special Stories
11 Jan 2018 11:55 AM
I want to stress that this forecast is very far out and there will likely be some changes to the timing and snowfall amounts, but it's definitely worth watching.  Right now this scenario is for the weekend of January 20th and 21st.

Winter Storm Set-Up

Long range forecast models are hinting at a large trough of low pressure moving through the southwestern United States by next weekend.  Based on how far south this trough goes, this could lead to a large winter storm for the Central Rockies.  The low pressure will provide the energy and there will be plenty of cold air in all layers of the atmosphere to produce heavy snow.

Snowfall Potential

Here is the latest long range snow accumulation map with a focus on Colorado.  This is showing the possibility of over 12" of snow for parts of Fort Collins, Longmont and Denver.

Why Look at Forecasts So Far Out?

I always refer to these extended outlooks as "Keep and eye out" forecasts.  Now that I have seen forecast models showing the potential of a winter storm, it's something that we will keep an eye on over the next several days.  If forecast models continue to show this winter storm, that means we are growing more confidence in this particular forecast.  Stay tuned...   Meteorologist Patrick Crawford
All Weather News
More
Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

Tropics: Power Restoration Underway in Kauai, Norbert Forms to the East

The Pacific Ocean has been incredibly active

10 Sep 2026 11:00 AM
High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

High Heat & Humidity Across the Southwest

Temperatures not only broke records on Wednes

10 Sep 2026 1:05 AM
Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

Rounds of Severe Storms Target the Plains

The plains have had an active summer. Severe

10 Sep 2026 1:00 AM
Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

Will It Ever End? Heat Wave Persists for Much of the South & Plains

A relentless ridge of high pressure has been

10 Sep 2026 12:40 AM
Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

Labor Day Travel Underway as Americans Hit the Roads and Take to the Skies

The unofficial end of summer is bringing anot

7 Sep 2026 2:10 PM
Power Still Out for Thousands; Severe Storms Target the East Coast This Weekend

Power Still Out for Thousands; Severe Storms Target the East Coast This Weekend

Severe storms have been following the same pa

5 Sep 2026 1:50 PM
Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Flood Threat Lingers in Texas After Edouard

Intense rainfall has inundated parts of Texas

4 Sep 2026 1:00 AM