Colorado’s snow forecast favors the San Juans this weekend, with lighter accumulations farther north. Mild, dry weather lasts through Friday before mountain snow spreads in Friday night and Saturday. The southern mountains get the best base-building boost, while another storm opportunity around the middle of next week carries much greater uncertainty.
Friday stays mild and mostly dry before snow develops in the San Juans Friday night and intensifies Saturday. The steadiest snowfall favors Saturday morning at Wolf Creek and continues into the afternoon around Telluride. Expect 6-8 in at Wolf Creek and 4-6 in at Telluride through Sunday. Guidance agrees on the southern focus, although precipitation amounts still vary substantially. Snow levels begin near 8,000-9,000 feet and fall toward 7,000 feet late Saturday night as the main precipitation winds down. Temperatures in the 20s at higher elevations favor moderately dense snow initially, with a lighter finish as colder air arrives. Wolf Creek remains temporarily closed, and Telluride targets a November 26 opening, so these accumulations primarily build the base there.
Central and northern Colorado receive a smaller refresh from Saturday into Sunday, generally around a couple of inches. Snow showers expand Saturday, continue Saturday night, and gradually fade Sunday. Support for accumulating snow is less consistent in the northern mountains, and expected snowfall at Steamboat has eased compared with yesterday’s guidance. Temperatures near freezing during daytime showers favor denser snow on lower slopes, with temperatures dropping into the 20s overnight at higher elevations. Winds look modest overall. For skiers already making turns, terrain remains an important limit: Arapahoe Basin currently has one run open and no beginner terrain…