WRF Model snow projections through noon Tuesday
Significant storm to bring closing day powder to many ski areas
Today has been the warmest day statewide since the past week of cold and unsettled weather, which saw Denver break three record lows (record low max of 22F on the 9th, record low of 9F on the 9th, record low of 6F on the 10th). Accompanying the warm temperatures, however, were the winds ahead of the incoming system... gusty winds east of the mountains, and very strong winds for the higher elevations.
A strong disturbance with an associated upper level jet streak (which enhances upward motion, and thus strongly enhances precipitation) is moving into Colorado from due west tonight, and is going to bring heavy snow to most of the major mountain ranges and ski areas, minus the Southern San Juans and Sangre de Christos. The Front Range mountains, Summit County, Gore Range Vail/Beaver Creek, Steamboat, Flat Tops, Aspen/Crested Butte, and the Northern San Juans are all in line for big snow Saturday night through Sunday morning, with some areas likely picking up a foot or more. Many areas are closing tomorrow, and they will be closing on a high note with an excellent powder day in store (and with it being April, less crowds than usual for a weekend day).
A few rain and snow showers for Denver and the Plains overnight into Sunday morning
As a cold front moving in from the Pacific (west) associated with the mountain snow storm reaches the Front Range urban region overnight, scattered rain and snow showers will develop across the northeastern plains, but nothing significant of note, with mostly dry but mostly cloudy conditions being prevalent across the metro area on Sunday. After a comfortable day with highs in the 60's on Saturday, temperatures will cool off 10-15 degrees across the metro area on Sunday, only reaching the low to mid 50's... however, much colder air is expected for the upcoming week.
Farther south, high winds are expected to develop across Colorado Springs, Pikes Peak, Pueblo, the Wet Mountains, and the Sangre de Christo Mountains. Gusts of 65 mph will be possible below 7,500 feet, with hurricane force gusts expected for the higher terrain, such as Pikes Peak.
Significant period of very active and unseasonably cold weather in store for Colorado this week
Dry conditions will return following the storm on Sunday, with the sun briefly coming out later in the afternoon in the mountains. However, a major storm cycle is set to begin overnight Sunday, as the upper level trough and associated jet stream max (otherwise known as a jet streak) park itself over Colorado for several days. A significant amount of moisture is expected to develop with this system, along with shots of unseasonably cold air for mid April.
The forecast is fairly complicated as to who will get the most snow and when exactly, but as of right now, periods of moderate to heavy snow are likely to develop in the mountains again overnight Sunday, and continuing through Wednesday night. A stronger cold front will also be arriving Sunday night, bringing much colder air to the state. Highs in Denver will only reach 40 or so on Monday, and it will be even colder by midweek. Upslope precipitation is expected to begin Monday night and continue through the day Wednesday. The extent of moisture and wind direction are still in question, but models are hinting at an extended period of snow for Denver from Monday night through Wednesday... a long enough period that significant snow totals will be possible. Highs on Tuesday and Wednesday will be 30-35 degrees below average in the city, with record challenging cold possible again on Wednesday night.
Drier conditions return to the Front Range metro area on Thursday, but below average temperatures will continue through next weekend. Northwest flow could develop late next week and into next weekend, which could bring additional snow to the northern and central mountains, but this is still a ways in the future.
The details for next week aren't totally clear yet, but it's going to be an active and interesting system to follow, with significant snowfall accumulations possible for many parts of the state... this would be great news for water resources as we head into spring and summer.
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