SnowBrains Forecast: Active Pattern Ahead for Southern Rockies

Forecast written 3:30 p.m. MDT November 23, 2024

Forecast Summary

An active pattern is in store over the next few days as a weaker system moves through Sunday and then an atmospheric river Monday night through Wednesday. The first system that moves through will generally bring lighter snow to northern portions of Colorado. The second system will move in as an atmospheric river Monday night and last through Wednesday. Residual snow showers will stick around through Thursday, and then conditions will dry out.

• Related: SnowBrains Forecast: Snow Continues in the Northern Rockies Behind a Cold Front and Another Atmospheric River

Short Term (Now through Monday)

A trough moving through interior portions of the west will brush the northern portion of Colorado Sunday into Monday morning. This will bring a period of snow to the mountains on Sunday, primarily along the cold front associated with the trough. Residual snow showers will continue into Monday morning before tapering off by the afternoon. Accumulations will generally be light, with the highest amount over northern mountain ranges.

Long-Term (Monday Night and Beyond)

Monday night, things get juicy as an atmospheric river enters the region. This will bring copious amounts of moisture with heavy snow over the mountains and rain in lower elevations. These tend to have warm air masses associated with them, so snow levels will be pretty high to start but lower as the event progresses and colder air moves in by Wednesday. However, once colder air moves in, the moisture tap will cut off, along with widespread precipitation. Residual snow showers will continue into Thursday but will be fairly scattered and light. By Thursday night, conditions will completely dry out.

Notable Resort Storm Totals Through Thursday:

• Aspen: 24-30 inches
• Monarch: 24-30 inches
• Crested Butte: 24-32 inches
• Silverton: 24-32 inches
• Steamboat: 20-26 inches
• Vail: 22-28 inches
• Wolf Creek: 20-28 inches
• Telluride: 22-30 inches

Looking at the long range, a dry pattern will be in place across the western US as high pressure builds over the region. At this time, it looks to be pretty long-lasting, with most ensembles in agreement.