This week’s cloud cover is unlikely to bring significant snowfall, with forecasts showing heavier precipitation favoring eastern Colorado.
National Weather Service Meteorologist Dave Byers said that while some snow may still reach the region, expected accumulation will be short of the substantial snowfall seen in the San Juan Mountains in late October.
Over the weekend, temperatures dipped steadily, and brief snow flurries swept through on Sunday. Yet, Red Mountain Pass saw a modest 2-inch accumulation, and nearby Coal Bank Pass received only about an inch.
Pagosa Springs recorded a mere dusting, with snow measured at just a quarter-inch as of Monday morning.
Forecasts show a 40% chance of snow Wednesday evening, decreasing to 20% on Thursday and Friday night, with skies expected to clear by Saturday morning.
Atmospheric river-like patterns drove late October storms allowing for 3 feet of accumulation in some areas near Red Mountain Pass, Byers said.
This week’s weather patterns, however, are moving in from the northwest rather than Southern California. The system is sweeping down from Oregon and over the Sierra Nevada Mountains, likely bringing some moisture, but not in significant amounts, Byers said.
Byers was unable to provide a quantitative estimate for snowfall from the upcoming storm.
Typically, the Western Slope sees increased snowfall as temperatures drop and Pacific coast moisture moves inland. Byers said that while this pattern usually sets in by December, it can begin as early as late October or November and, in some years, as late as January.
Byers was optimistic about the snowfall the Western Slope had already received from fall storms, saying the snow had high moisture content.
“Five inches (of moisture) in 3 feet of snow – that's above-normal liquid content,” Byers said.
Local ski areas are pressing ahead with snowmaking efforts as Wolf Creek Ski Area enters its third week of the season, now boasting a 41-inch base, including 5 fresh inches from the latest storm.
Purgatory Resort received several inches of snow last week, spokeswoman Theresa Graven said. She confirmed that the resort is moving full-steam ahead toward its scheduled opening on Nov. 16.
“With top-to-bottom skiing as the goal, mountain ops teams are utilizing every available weather window to make snow and get the slopes primed for the season ahead,” Graven said in an email to The Durango Herald.
Purgatory’s website has yet to post official snowfall totals. However, data from the National Water Prediction Service indicates that Purgatory received up to a quarter inch of precipitation Monday morning.
tbrown@durangoherald.com
