A white Christmas is on the way, the National Weather Service said, as it issued a winter storm warning for Thursday through Saturday morning in Southwest Colorado.
The southwest San Juan Mountains are expected to receive 12 to 18 inches of snow and 50 mph wind gusts, said meteorologist Megan Stackhouse in Grand Junction.
Thursday, the Colorado Avalanche information Center issued an avalanche watch for the northern and southern San Juan Mountains. The risk of avalanches was raised to “high,” Level 4 out of five levels.
The heaviest snowfall was expected late Thursday into Friday morning.
“It’s going to be wet snow, but we are looking at some blowing snow as well,” she said.
The storms stem from a massive low pressure system that’s sitting off the West Coast, she said. Clouds and northeastern winds will reach Southwest Colorado on Wednesday night. Snow and rain are expected Thursday morning.
Thursday, there’s a 40% chance of precipitation in Southwest Colorado, increasing to 70% Thursday night.
Friday is expected to see the most rain and snow, with an 80% chance of precipitation during the day and a 70% chance at night.
On Christmas morning, there is a 50% chance of snow, with a possible break in the afternoon, but additional precipitation is expected that night.
“We are (advising) people to stay weather aware and consider making any alternative travel plans for the holidays,” Stackhouse said.
Purgatory Resort is hopeful the snow will allow it to open its backside ski runs. The resort said the terrain on the backside makes it difficult to make and groom a base of snow, so those runs are largely dependent on natural snow.
Purgatory spokeswoman Amanda Anderson said in an emailed statement to The Durango Herald that crews were working to open Chair 5 and Dante's, but at least 4 inches of new snow was needed to open Chair 8.
The storm is not expected to significantly affect flights at Durango-La Plata County Airport, but travelers might experience delays and are encouraged to arrive at the airport early.
“Right now, there’s nothing out there that would make us throw out major red flags for anyone,” said Aviation Director Tony Vicari. “As always, we encourage folks to arrive plenty early for their flight. At least 90 minutes early given the busyness of the holiday season.”
Vicari said there is a fair degree of likelihood there will be some delays because of deicing operations and potential snow impacts, but nothing major.
“We have staff lined out and ready to go for snow removal throughout the holiday weekend,” he said.
njohnson@durangoherald.com
