The odds of a White Christmas are not looking good for residents in low-lying areas along the U.S. Highway 160 corridor, but may be better for those at slightly higher elevations.
A storm system expected to arrive during the day Wednesday is likely to bring precipitation to Southwest Colorado, according to the National Weather Service.
“It's set to arrive sometime on Christmas Day,” said meteorologist Kris Sanders. “I don't know if we'll wake up to snow.”
Although forecasts are subject to change, Sanders said Monday that the Durango and Cortez areas should expect somewhere between a dusting and 1 inch of snow Wednesday. Higher elevation areas near Bayfield and Hesperus could see up to 2 inches.
Snow is mostly anticipated to accumulate above 7,000 feet in elevation. Mountain passes could see between 4 and 6 inches, while certain parts of the mountains might see up to 8 inches.
“The thing is, we're warming up,” Sanders said. “So this being a Pacific system, it isn't bringing a big arctic blast.”
Snow at high elevations could impact travel over mountains passes on Christmas Day, he added.
According to historical data maintained by the NWS, it has snowed in Durango on Christmas four times in the last decade. The last time was in 2021, when it snowed 1 inch.
rschafir@durangoherald.com
