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
Another Weekend Snow on the East Coast?

Another Weekend Snow on the East Coast?

Copy and paste has been used a lot by forecas

29 Jan 2026 3:15 AM
Lake-Effect Snow Sticks Around the Great Lakes

Lake-Effect Snow Sticks Around the Great Lakes

WOOF! The Northeast got rocked over the weeke

29 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Nearly Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

Nearly Half a Million Without Power From Winter Storm

ABOVE - Up to one inch of ice accumulated acr

29 Jan 2026 3:10 AM
Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

Rain Finally Makes a Return to the Northwest

We're making a run at two straight weeks with

29 Jan 2026 3:00 AM
Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Cold Air Sticks Around the Central to Eastern U.S.

Temperatures have been record-breaking with h

29 Jan 2026 2:50 AM
Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

Gulf-Effect Snow Possible This Weekend

You've been warned, iguanas. We've had glanci

29 Jan 2026 2:50 AM
Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

Severe Thunderstorms Possible Across the South on Sunday

While much of the country will be impacted by

25 Jan 2026 10:40 PM