Colorado high-country residents received their first taste of winter Friday morning, after a blanket of snow Thursday night covered elevations higher than 12,000 feet in the central-northern San Juan Mountains, Elk Mountains and Sawatch Range.
Although elevations above timberline have received occasional light snowfall for the past few weeks, mountain peaks Friday morning showed the most visible coverage seen so far this year. The Telluride airport, which sits at an elevation of 9,000 feet, recorded a low of 44 degrees Thursday night.
Snowfall typically starts in the high country during September, with increased precipitation and lower temperatures around the time leaves change color.
“The weather is right on track,” said Michael Charnick of the National Weather Service.
The forecast shows that temperatures will continue to drop in the high country. Precipitation is expected Tuesday to Thursday. Snow is expected to accumulate at elevations above timberline. For more information, visit www.weather.gov/gjt.
fstone@durangoherald.com
