UPDATE
Denver proper is now under a WINTER STORM WARNING. This is due to higher snowfall amounts expected.
Forecast from this morning remains on track timing wise but totals are going to be on the higher end of the range given.
Our wet Spring storm is on track to deliver a good drink of water to our area with some appreciable snow totals as well. Let’s take a look at timing and what totals to expect. First off, winter highlights are in place across the entire Denver metro and the surrounding area. This is mainly because a really tough Thursday morning commute is expected.
My previous post yesterday details more storm dynamics if you want to nerd out about the details.
We are still expecting a warmer storm to move through Colorado today into Thursday. Again, the biggest holdup with this forecast has been when will the rain changeover to snow? While that question is mostly answered, the difference of two hours will make for big differences in snow totals.
TIMING
Snow has already begun in the northern mountains Wednesday morning. We will see rain showers develop in the Foothills from Red Feather Lakes to Boulder to Castle Rock between 1-3pm. Scattered rain showers develop for Ft. Collins to Denver between 2-5 pm.
Elevations above 7,500′ will see all snow from this system while areas below that will see the transition to snow through this evening. Moderate, widespread rain is looking likely from 3-8 pm along the Urban Corridor. Snow levels will drop to 6,000′ between 5-7pm and then to 5,000′ between 6-9pm. That means Denver will see a switch over to heavy snow sometime around 8 or 9 pm.
Once the rain switches to snow, we will quickly begin to see impacts to roads. The snow that will fall from this storm will come down fast and hard. Expect really big flakes to form during this event which will be extremely heavy to move so take your time when you’re out shoveling.
Snow will continue heavily overnight across the area. Thursday morning will be an extremely difficult commute. Light to moderate snow will continue Thursday morning but will be tapering off from north to south. A few snow showers can be expected into the afternoon on Thursday but for the most part, this storm will wind down later Thursday morning.
SNOW TOTALS
The million-dollar question: how much snow is going to fall at your house? Here’s what we’re thinking.
The Foothills of Boulder and Jefferson county, as well as, Douglas county and the Foothills west of Colorado Springs will see the most snow from this storm. The trend for this storm has been for it to come in a little bit stronger and to last a little bit longer so these totals are subject to change.
Downtown Denver: 5-10″
Denver Airport: 4-8″
Arvada: 5-9″
Aurora: 4-7″
Broomfield: 4-8″
Centennial: 4-8″
Golden: 7-11″
Littleton: 4-8″
Parker: 4-8″
Boulder: 6-10″
Eldora: 10-15″
Georgetown: 6-10″
Idaho Springs: 7-11″
Breckenridge: 3-6″
Evergreen: 10-15″
Conifer: 12-18″
Castle Rock: 8-12″
Monument: 8-12″
Ft. Collins: 1-3″
Estes Park: 4-8″
Loveland: 1-3″
Winter Park: 8-12″
Grand Lake: 3-6″
Colorado Springs: 4-6″
Durango: <1″
Glenwood Springs: <1″
Grand Junction: <1″
Pueblo: 1-2″
This storm will be mostly focused on the Front Range of Colorado so west of the divide, snow totals go way down. Again, if this storm comes in a bit stronger, these totals may go up. Prepare for heavy, wet snow and big impacts Thursday morning.
Finally, here’s a look at the total precipitation expected from this storm.
Widespread half inch to an inch of liquid is expected to fall from Boulder to DEnver to Castle Rock to Colorado Springs and Pueblo. This will be enough moisture to put a solid dent in our drought so expect updates to that coming soon.
Looking further out, another snowstorm is looking probable early next week that could deliver another round of heavy snow to the area. Details have yet to be worked out but we will have to watch that storm closely as it has the potential to produce some big totals again.
~ Andy
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