A dusting of snow Tuesday morning in Durango marked the start of what will likely be a snowy Thanksgiving week in Southwest Colorado, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
A winter storm is predicted to snarl holiday traffic with up to 30 inches of snow in the high country of the San Juan Mountains, said meteorologist Scott Stearns on Tuesday. Up to 8 inches of snow is predicted to fall in Durango, he said.
The heaviest snowfall this week is expected the evening of Thanksgiving, Stearns said. The NWS issued a winter storm watch from 5 p.m. Wednesday to 5 p.m. Saturday for the San Juan Mountains.
“It’s probably not the best idea to be traveling over the (mountain) passes with that kind of snowfall,” he said. Red Mountain Pass, north of Silverton, and Wolf Creek Pass, northeast of Pagosa Springs, could each get up to 30 inches of snowfall.
Cortez received 4.2 inches of snow from about 9 p.m. Monday to about 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, and more was expected to move into Southwest Colorado on Wednesday and hang around until late Friday or early Saturday.
“The storm moved more slowly than anticipated,” said Cortez weather watcher Jim Andrus. “We were only forecast to get about an inch.”
The San Juan Mountains are looking to pick up a lot of #snow when this #BombCyclone digs into the four corners. Here are the CAIC WRF model's projected snow totals through Friday at 11 AM. #cowx #durango #sanjuans #letitsnow pic.twitter.com/gUu9YwPmyl
— Jon Harvey (@yeti_face) November 26, 2019
The Colorado Department of Transportation will “very likely” implement traction and chain laws over mountain passes, said spokeswoman Lisa Schwantes. There are “bound to be some impacts” at the Durango-La Plata County Airport, said Director Tony Vicari. Both agencies plan to have employees working around the clock in the next few days to ensure safe and efficient travel.
“Typically, this 10-day period (around Thanksgiving) is the busiest finite period we see at the airport for local utilization – the parking lot is under highest level of demand,” Vicari said. “Passengers are encouraged to arrive early, check with airlines about delays and drive safely to get here.”
CDOT likely will not treat highways with brine solution before the storm hits – work that keeps ice from bonding with the road, Schwantes said.
“Every storm is different, and we’re certainly getting ready with our manpower and equipment with what has been forecast,” she said. “We are at the mercy of Mother Nature. If snow accumulations happen too quickly, and crews can’t keep up, there may be a possibility that we close the high mountain passes.”
Purgatory Resort is scheduled to open Wednesday before Thanksgiving, an opening day delayed after above-average temperatures hindered snow-making efforts.
As of Tuesday afternoon, Purgatory reported a 22-inch base, seven open runs and three running lifts. The resort may open more terrain with the incoming storm, according to its website.
“From the Instagram stories I’ve seen, I see people getting ready to stay overnight, at least from one Instagram story we were tagged in,” said Tiona Eversole, Purgatory marketing manager. “I wouldn’t be surprised if we get there and there are a decent amount of people (already in line).”
This week’s snow was perfectly timed for Telluride Ski Resort, which opens for donation day Wednesday, when skiers can hit the slopes for a $25 donation that goes to the Telluride Ski and Snowboard Club.
“At 10 a.m., we listed 14½ inches of snow, and it’s still snowing like crazy,” said Nancy Clark, a spokeswoman for the resort. We’re expecting more snow in the weather report, so this week looks really great.”
Telluride Ski Resort’s official opening, when it will begin accepting season passes, is Thanksgiving Day.
bhauff@durangoherald.com
Journal Staff Writer Patrick Armijo contributed to this report.
