The first of two winter storms arrived in Southwest Colorado early Thursday, and they could make for a white Christmas – and chaotic holiday travel – this weekend, according to the National Weather Service in Grand Junction.
Some areas, including Durango, Mancos and Bayfield, are under a winter storm advisory through 8 a.m. Friday, with 3-6 inches of snow expected at 6,500 feet, the National Weather Service said. It issued a winter storm warning for the San Juan Mountains, including the towns of Silverton, Telluride, Ouray, Lake City and Hesperus, with 8-16 inches of snow expected.
Michael Charnik, a weather service meteorologist, had said Wednesday the first storm was likely to arrive between 9 a.m. and noon Thursday -- but it came a little earlier.
Charnik said major airports should not be affected, but smaller airports, such as the Durango-La Plata County Airport, are “definitely going to have some impacts,” from this first storm system.
Road conditions in Southwest Colorado will depend on surface temperatures, Charnik said. He said it’s safe to assume elevations above 7,500 feet will be difficult for road travelers.
A winter storm warning is in effect for Coal Bank, Molas, Red Mountain and Wolf Creek passes.
That first system is expected to move out of the region by Friday afternoon, creating a small window of clear, dry weather that’s the recommended time for travel, Charnik said.
“Between about noon Friday and 5 p.m. Saturday, that’s the window best for travel,” he said.
The second storm is expected to arrive Saturday evening, and it is expected to be the more severe storm of the two. From about 9 p.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday, 6 to 12 inches of accumulation in Durango is possible.
“With more snow in the mountains, especially to the north,” Charnik said.
On Christmas Day, the storm should move out by the early afternoon hours. Charnik said by Sunday night, the area will be clear, but road travel issues may linger. A third storm may come through the area Tuesday night and last through Wednesday, the weather service said in its Hazardous Weather Outlook.
For those people hanging around Durango for the holidays with plans of backcountry skiing, there’s a moderate warning for avalanche danger in the southern San Juan Mountains. For updates on avalanche danger, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, avalanche.state.co.us.
