Weather
This forecast was created at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2025
A robust winter storm is drenching Colorado’s mountains with deep snow through Friday, followed by a brief weekend break and renewed chances for powder mid-next week. In total, southwestern areas will reap the largest accumulations from the current system, while central and northern resorts still pick up respectable totals. Milder, tranquil conditions take over for Sunday and Monday before the next round of snow arrives on Tuesday.
Thursday’s storm is already bringing heavy, wind-driven snow to many parts of the Colorado high country. Snow levels around 6,000–6,500 feet mean lower elevations may see rain mixing in, especially in the foothills and valleys. Upper elevations, particularly in the San Juans, are getting hammered with strong southwesterly gusts and impressive snowfall, with SLRs largely in the 12–16:1 range, suggesting fairly fluffy accumulations in the high terrain. Northern areas near and north of Interstate 70 also see steadier snowfall this afternoon and evening, but slightly lower totals overall. Expect snow to persist into tonight with generally good coverage statewide.
On Friday, intermittent snowfall lingers as the system shifts and drier air tries to push in, but another surge of energy should regenerate heavier snow in the afternoon and evening. The southwest mountains remain favored, although central and northern mountains—especially near the I-70 corridor—could see a few inches of convective burst snow. SLRs in the 10–15:1 range will produce decently dense but still fun powder, and brief snow squalls may enhance totals in spots. Winds remain elevated in some locations, but begin to decrease by late Friday night. By Saturday morning, snow will wane from north to south, with only light lingering showers near the Continental Divide.
Saturday brings improving conditions for most areas, with partly cloudy skies and cooler-than-normal temperatures. By Sunday, high pressure builds in, delivering sunny and milder weather across Colorado’s mountains. Monday stays warm and dry as well, with temperatures climbing well above freezing in many lower mountain areas. Looking ahead to Tuesday and Wednesday, another moderate storm appears on track to deliver additional snow to much of the state, potentially favoring the southern and central mountains. While precise totals remain uncertain, SLRs in the 13–17:1 range could lead to more soft turns. Farther out, the 6–10 and 8–14 day outlooks suggest below-normal temperatures and above-normal precipitation west of the Continental Divide, keeping conditions favorable for continued snowfall across Colorado’s mountains.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Wolf Creek – 10”–18” total (8”–12” Thu (03/06) – Sat night (03/08) + 2”–6” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Snowmass – 7”–12” total (6”–9” Thu (03/06) – Sat (03/08) + 1”–3” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Telluride – 5”–11” total (4”–7” Thu (03/06) – Sat (03/08) + 1”–4” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Loveland/Arapahoe Basin – 6”–10” total (5”–7” Thu (03/06) – Sat (03/08) + 1”–3” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Winter Park – 6”–10” total (5”–7” Thu (03/06) – Sat (03/08) + 1”–3” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Crested Butte – 5”–10” total (4”–7” Thu (03/06) – Fri night (03/07) + 1”–3” Tue (03/11) – Tue night (03/11))
- Steamboat – 4”–9” total (3”–5” Thu (03/06) – Fri night (03/07) + 1”–4” Tue night (03/11))
- Vail/Beaver Creek – 3”–7” total (2”–4” Thu (03/06) – Fri night (03/07) + 1”–3” Tue night (03/11))
- Copper Mountain/Breckenridge – 3”–5” Thu night (03/06) – Sat (03/08)
- Monarch – 2”–5” total (1”–2” Thu night (03/06) – Fri (03/07) + 1”–3” Fri night (03/07) – Sat (03/08))
I would like to see other important travel roads. For me, the I-25 corridor from Denver to Pueblo, and the Piles Peak area are real important. I rarely, if ever see those areas covered. The resort totals are important, but the ways to reach the resorts is imperative. Thank you.