A powerful snowstorm swept through Colorado, dumping over a foot of snow in several areas and causing major travel disruptions across the US. The storm, which hit late Thursday and continued into Friday, led to hazardous road conditions, Interstate 70 shutdowns, and multiple accidents, making travel treacherous across the region. While winter weather alerts have expired, slick roads and icy conditions remain a concern. However, a warming trend is on the horizon, with temperatures expected to rise into the 50s and 60s over the weekend, bringing much-needed relief after a week of heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures.

End-of-Week Snowstorm Hits Denver Hard

An end-of-the-week snowstorm left behind several inches of snow, creating a hazardous Friday morning commute across Denver. This storm was the latest in a week filled with cold temperatures and snowfall, prompting the Pinpoint Weather team to issue a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day as the system moved in late Thursday and continued through Friday morning.

While winter weather alerts and warnings have expired, roads are expected to remain slick through the first half of the day. However, there is some relief ahead, as temperatures will rise into the low 40s by Friday afternoon, helping to melt some of the fresh snow.

Snowfall Totals: Over a Foot in Several Areas

Preliminary snowfall totals from 2 p.m. Thursday through 8 a.m. Friday indicate that many areas saw significant accumulation, with some locations reporting over a foot of snow.

Highest Snow Totals Across Colorado

Some of the heaviest snowfall was recorded in Jefferson County, with Conifer seeing the highest total of 17.1 inches. Other significant snow totals include:

Jefferson County

• 1 SW Tiny Town – 16 inches
• 1 SW Kittredge – 13 inches
• 4 SSW Evergreen – 13.5 inches
• 2 N Aspen Park – 13.5 inches
• 4 W Conifer – 17.1 inches (Highest reported total)

Denver County

• 1 SSE Denver – 6 inches
• 2 NNW Sheridan – 8 inches
• 2 WSW Sheridan – 5.8 inches
• 2 ESE Chatfield Reservoir – 5.8 inches

Arapahoe County

• 1 SE Littleton – 9.5 inches
• 3 WSW Aurora – 5.5 inches
• 1 NW Aurora – 5 inches

Douglas County

• 2 SE Chatfield Reservoir – 8.3 inches
• 1 E Parker – 5.2 inches

Other Notable Snow Totals

• Gilpin County: 1 W Aspen Springs – 6 inches
• Clear Creek County: 1 N Lawson – 6.3 inches
• El Paso County: 7 NNE Colorado Springs – 3.5 inches
• Summit County: 2 SE Breckenridge – 4.2 inches

Most of the snowfall ended by 8 a.m. Friday, with a few lingering flurries expected. Sunshine in the afternoon, along with highs in the low 40s, will help start the melting process.

Presidents Day Weekend Snowstorm Brings Travel Chaos

Colorado’s mountains have been hit with a series of major snowstorms, leading to significant travel delays and road closures over Presidents Day weekend, the second busiest holiday travel period for Interstate 70.

Travel Disruptions and Avalanche Risks

I-70 Shutdowns – Multiple sections of Interstate 70 were closed due to adverse conditions:

• Westbound I-70 closed at Georgetown
• Eastbound I-70 closed at Silverthorne
• U.S. Highway 6 near Keystone remained closed

• Avalanches and Crashes – An avalanche at Loveland Pass on Friday swept a vehicle off the road.
• Hazardous Driving Conditions – Colorado State Patrol reported multiple crashes due to motorists driving too fast for the conditions.
• Fatal Accidents – Troopers responded to seven fatal crashes, with eight deaths and four serious injuries, including two in the mountains.

Colorado Mountain Snowfall Totals: Up to 3 Feet

The northern mountains saw significant snowfall, with 2 to 3 feet of snow reported as of Sunday night. The storm is not over, as an additional 1 to 2 feet of snow is expected in the Rabbit Ears Pass and Rocky Mountain National Park areas through Tuesday morning.

More Snow Expected in the Mountains

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning for the northern mountains and a Winter Weather Advisory for Grand and Summit counties through 5 a.m. Tuesday.

Heavy snowfall, strong winds up to 45 mph, and low visibility will continue to make travel hazardous in areas including:

• Rabbit Ears Pass
• Vail Pass
• Cameron Pass
• Berthoud Pass

The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is urging drivers to check road conditions before traveling and to expect delays and closures in the mountains.

Fort Collins and Front Range Forecast: Warming Up Ahead

After a frigid start to the week, temperatures are expected to gradually rise, bringing some relief from the winter storm.

Day-by-Day Forecast

• Monday:
  • 40% chance of snow, mainly after 10 a.m. and again after 11 p.m.
  • High 25°F, low 5°F.
  • Patchy fog before 2 p.m.
• Tuesday:
  • 50% chance of snow, mainly in the morning and evening.
  • High 20°F, low -1°F.
  • Wind chills as low as -2°F.
• Wednesday:
  • 30% chance of snow before 11 a.m.
  • High 22°F, low 7°F.
• Thursday:
  • 30% chance of snow after 11 a.m.
  • High 31°F, low 12°F.
• Friday:
  • Mostly sunny, high 43°F, low 18°F.
• Saturday:
  • Sunny, high 52°F, low 25°F.
• Sunday:
  • Sunny, high 60°F.

Key Takeaways

• A major snowstorm hit Denver Thursday-Friday, with up to 17.1 inches of snow recorded.
• Winter weather caused major travel disruptions, including I-70 shutdowns, avalanche risks, and multiple crashes.
• Colorado’s mountains saw 2 to 3 feet of snow, with more on the way through Tuesday morning.
• A gradual warm-up begins Friday, with temperatures climbing into the 50s and 60s this weekend.

After a week of frigid temperatures and heavy snow, relief is in sight. Drivers should remain cautious, especially in the mountains, but sunshine and warming temperatures will help melt the snow just in time for the weekend.

Stay safe and stay updated on road conditions as Colorado transitions from winter storms to spring-like temperatures in just a few days!

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