Record Denver Rainfall Transitions into Heavy Snowfall
First Alert Weather Day Declared
Denver experienced record-breaking rainfall on Wednesday, with 0.80 inches, which quickly transitioned into snowfall on early Thursday morning. Following a lull after sunrise, heavier snowfall is expected to redevelop later in the day.
Due to the severe weather conditions, CBS Colorado has declared a First Alert Weather Day, which will continue until 6 a.m. on Friday when the Winter Storm Warning is set to expire.
Snowfall in the foothills has already reached significant levels, with 30 inches reported at Eldora Ski Area and 26 inches in nearby Nederland as of 6 a.m.
While tempting for skiers and snowboarders, travel in the high country is strongly discouraged and will be impossible in many areas until early Friday. In the metro area, when the heavier snowfall returns in the afternoon, snowfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour.
The additional snowfall is expected to be between 8 and 12 inches for most neighborhoods around Denver, Aurora, Lakewood, Broomfield, Boulder, Longmont, and the surrounding areas. However, areas north and east, including Fort Collins, Brighton, DIA, and the I-76 corridor, may receive under 6 inches. Greeley and much of Weld County are expected to receive even less snow.
Denver’s airport, as of 6 a.m. on Thursday, had not yet measured any snow, but it is expected to receive less snow as compared to downtown Denver.
Travel conditions will be extremely difficult in Douglas County and most of Jefferson County, where an additional 10-15 inches of snow are expected. The highway 285 corridor above Morrison, I-70 above Golden, and Highways 34 and 36 above 6,500 feet will receive another 15-25 inches of snow. In the foothills, some areas may even exceed 4 feet of snow.
Thankfully, wind is not expected to be a significant factor, as the center of the storm is located hundreds of miles away. Although gusts of up to 35 mph are possible, blizzard conditions are not anticipated.
Following the snowfall, dry but cool conditions will prevail throughout the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
