Weather
This forecast was created at 7:30 a.m. PST on Sunday, March 16
A potent storm early in the week will deliver healthy new snow across much of the Colorado high country, followed by another quick-hitting system toward the weekend. Overall, expect two rounds of fresh powder—one peaking Tuesday into Wednesday and another Thursday night into Friday—setting up a decent stretch of skiing conditions in many resorts.
Sunday and Monday will start out tranquil and mild. Lingering snow flurries will taper off Sunday morning in the northern mountains, leading to mostly sunny skies and slightly warmer temperatures. Western and southern areas will remain dry and breezy, with occasional gusts in the higher peaks, though winds shouldn’t significantly impact on-slope conditions. By Monday, a warm and breezy pattern settles in, with more clouds in the afternoon but only minimal chances for any real precipitation.
The main event arrives Tuesday into Wednesday with a robust winter storm focusing on western and central Colorado. Heavy snowfall over a foot is possible in favored locales near the Continental Divide, as strong orographics boost totals in the northwestern San Juans, Grand Mesa, and Park Range. Farther east along the Front Range, moderate snow should develop late Tuesday, especially for higher ridges and peaks, with lighter amounts near the foothills. Snow ratios will generally range around 14-18:1 during peak intensity, so expect light, powdery accumulations on Tuesday and early Wednesday. Winds will be quite gusty in the high terrain, which may keep the snow somewhat wind-affected on the ridgelines.
A secondary system will sweep in from Thursday night through Friday night, bringing modest additional snowfall. This late-week wave looks weaker overall, with lighter totals but potentially a few fluffy inches for many resorts. Snow ratios should remain in the 14-15+ range, producing generally light, dry snow. Afternoon winds may pick up briefly on Friday, so expect pockets of blowing snow on the upper mountain. Beyond Friday, the longer-term pattern remains unsettled, and while no definitive details are clear, periodic disturbances may keep opportunities for fresh snow going into next weekend.
Resort Forecast Totals
- Telluride – 10”–19” total (8”–14” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 2”–5” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Steamboat – 7”–15” total (4”–8” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 3”–7” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Snowmass – 6”–14” total (4”–8” Mon night (03/17) – Wed night (03/19) + 2”–6” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Winter Park – 6”–13” total (5”–9” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–4” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Vail/Beaver Creek – 4”–10” total (3”–6” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–4” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Loveland/Arapahoe Basin – 5”–10” total (4”–7” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–3” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Crested Butte – 3”–9” total (2”–5” Mon night (03/17) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–4” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Copper Mountain/Breckenridge – 3”–8” total (2”–5” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–3” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
- Wolf Creek – 4”–7” Mon night (03/17) – Wed (03/19)
- Monarch – 3”–7” total (2”–4” Tue (03/18) – Wed night (03/19) + 1”–3” Thu night (03/20) – Fri night (03/21))
