Upper level trough and associated cold front are currently making thier way across CO with heavy snow west of the Divide and light snow moving east to about a Longs Peak to Kenosha Pass line. As cold front moves east across the foothills later this afternoon, we may see a brief period of flurries or light snow, but limited accumulation of only an inch or two infavored areas, with only a dusting in many areas. Strong northwest winds will occur tonight into Tuesday, with a cool and breezy day on tap for Tuesday.
Models continue to advertise a moist zonal flow will prevail this week which will bring moist Pacific flow into western CO beginning Wednesday. Because the flow will be straight from the Pacific, will need to introduce the term "snow level" back into the forecast, which is unusual for January. Snow level will range from 6000 ft near the WY border, to about 8000 ft near the NM border. The mountains west of the Divide will see nearly constant snow from Wednesday through next Monday. Much of the snow will be orographic in nature, so west facing slopes will receive the majority, while mountain valleys may only see very light accumulations. For our foothills, expect incessant westerly winds this week with mild temps. A more significant system is forecast to move into CO on Sunday into Monday, which will bring the next chance for snow to the foothills and Plains. Snow levels could initially be around 8000 ft Monday, lowering to Plains level Monday night. The next chance for snow will be next Wednesday/Thursday. Geat news for ski areas as they should receive multiple feet of snow this week into early next week.
Intersting situation developing in the Pacific Northwest. Arctic front has pushed very cold air over the area with light snow. More snow expected tonight with 2-5 inches possible in the Seattle area, and 1-2 inches in the Portland area. The next system on Tuesday night into Wed could drop 6-12 inches over the Seattle area, with freezing rain over Portland, so air and ground travel could come to a grinding halt over much of the Pacific Northwest this week. I've been in Seattle whe they had 2 inches of snow, and it was a nightmare if you wanted to drive anywhere, the hills became car sled runs that resembled a wrecking lot at the bottom. Should be interesting to see if this situation verifies and what transpires.
_________________
"Climatology is what you expect, Weather is what you get".
"It is better to be roughly right than precisely wrong".
Too bad future generations aren't here to see all the great things we are spending their $$ on!!
