A snowstorm expected to leave up to 2 inches in Durango and Cortez is expected Monday, with sporadic snowfall lingering through the week in the San Juan Mountains.
Along the U.S. Highway 160 corridor, Pagosa Springs could see up to 4 inches from the storm, said , Norv Larson, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
The San Juan Mountains can expect to receive between 4 and 8 inches of snow, with higher amounts in the eastern San Juans. Wolf Creek Pass might see 12 inches, perhaps even as much as 18 inches, Larson said.
“Wolf Creek is uniquely situated to receive a lot of snowfall,” he said.
A winter weather advisory is in effect from 9 a.m. Monday through 6 p.m. Tuesday for the San Juan Mountains, including Telluride, Ouray, Rico, Hesperus, Silverton and Lake City.
The advisory states wind gusts will reach 50 mph and travel is expected to be difficult with significantly reduced visibility from snow and blowing snow with whiteout conditions expected at times in the mountain passes. Travel in the mountains is discouraged by the weather service.
In lower elevations, Larson expected most of the snow to fall Monday afternoon, with the snow complete by Monday evening.
In the mountains, Larson said snow could extend into Tuesdays with periods of snow continuing right through Thursday.
At least in lower elevations, Larson said once this system clears Southwest Colorado, the area looks to be clearing with no chance of snow for at least the next week.
As of Feb. 2, Colorado SNOTEL lists the snowpack in Southwest Colorado at 105% of the 30-year average.
On Sunday, Purgatory Resort reported a 46-ingh base with eight of 12 lifts in operation. Telluride Ski Area reported a 46-inch base with all 17 lifts open. Wolf Creek Ski Area reported a 65-inch base with all nine of its lifts in operation.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center on Sunday reported avalanche conditions in the San Juan Mountains as low.
parmijo@durangoherald.com
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Herald Staff
