A spring snowstorm is expected to move into Southwest Colorado on Saturday morning, bringing a boost to the region’s depleting snowpack levels in the high country.
Erin Walter, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction, said Friday night into Saturday should remain clear, but with temperatures dipping below freezing.
In Silverton, the overnight low is expected to reach 15 degrees, and in Durango, 29 degrees.
By Saturday morning, however, the chance for precipitation moves into the region and lasts until Sunday.
In the high country around Silverton, 2 to 4 inches of snow is expected between Saturday and Sunday, Walter said. In Durango, during that time, up to an inch may accumulate.
In elevations above 9,500 feet, up to 10 inches may accumulate. The NWS issued a winter weather advisory for those areas from 6 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday.
But Walter said snow may not stick in lower elevations because of warmer temperatures. Travel is not expected to be impacted on mountain passes, though drivers should use caution in the event roads are icy or slippery.
Walter said the storm is a result of the low-pressure system that moved through the region Thursday, swinging back around as a secondary low, which is on track to favor the San Juan Mountains.
“The San Juans look like they’ll do the best with this system,” she said. “You guys getting into action with this storm is definitely helpful for water for the spring and summer.”
Indeed, snowpack in Southwest Colorado has been melting at a fast rate.
At the end of February, snowpack levels were approaching historic averages, topping out at nearly 90% of normal. As of Friday, however, snowpack had fallen to just 61% of average.
Walter said the storm should leave the region by Sunday night, with clear and dry conditions returning at the beginning of next week.
jromeo@durangoherald.com
