DURANGO, Colo. — Forecast models are now in better agreement on the track of a multi-day storm moving into Colorado this weekend into Tuesday. The storm looks stronger and farther north than earlier runs, closer to what the European model had been showing. The San Juan Mountains could see 10 to 24 inches of snow, with 18 to 26 inches possible in the highest spots. The Front Range is mainly in line for rain on Monday.
First Wave Arrives Friday Night
A weaker first wave is expected to reach southwest Colorado from 9 p.m. Friday to noon Saturday. Snow will mainly fall above 10,000 feet. Lower elevations will see rain.
Snow levels will start out high, staying above 10,000 feet through Sunday afternoon. They will dip a bit Saturday morning before rising again Saturday night into Sunday. The trough holds about three small waves, which adds some uncertainty.
Main Snow Window Sunday Through Tuesday
Snow for the north-central and south-central mountains is expected from 11 a.m. Sunday to 11 a.m. Tuesday. Most of it should fall Monday afternoon into Tuesday, mainly above 9,000 feet. The coldest air and best northwest flow for the mountains will come from 9 a.m. Monday to 9 a.m. Tuesday.
The north-central mountains could get 0.25 to 1.25 inches of liquid and 5 to 12 inches of snow. Areas west of Vail Pass, near Aspen and Crested Butte, are favored. The Front Range mountains, including Berthoud Pass, are favored second.
San Juans Get the Biggest Totals
The San Juans are expected to see the most snow, mostly above 10,000 feet. Snow starts Friday night, with much more from Sunday morning through late Monday. The highest totals should fall southwest of Silverton, including the Weminuche area…