Grand Junction, CO
Weather Forecast Office
Overview
A powerful low pressure system affected much of the southwestern United States from February 20th through the 23rd. This storm was characterized by cold temperatures and very high snowfall totals across the Four Corners region. Over three feet of snow fell in the San Juan Mountains, with well over a foot along portions of the US 160 corridor. This storm was the largest in a series of heavy snow events across the central and southern Rockies throughout the month of February. Mountain snowpack values averaged well above seasonal averages, and were close to 150% of normal by the time the storm ended. Many highways in southeast Utah and southwest Colorado were closed for a period of time on February 22nd when snow rates were at their highest. Mountain passes in the San Juans were closed due to avalanche concerns. Avalanche warnings were issued in the La Sal, Abajo and San Juan mountains. |
Snowfall at Purgatory Ski Resort on 2/22. Photo credit: Purgatory Ski Resort |
Snowfall at Powderhorn Ski Resort. Photo credit: Powderhorn Ski Resort |
Snowfall in the San Juan Mountains. Photo credit: Purgatory Ski Resort |
Photos & Video
Snow in Pagosa Springs on February 22nd. Photo courtesy of Michele Ó Raifeartaigh | Snow in Pagosa Springs on February 22nd. Photo courtesy of Jay Godson | Snow in the Durango West Subdivision. Photo from Jerry McBride/Durango Herald | Snow on top of the Kennebec Cafe in Hesperus. Photo from Jerry McBride/Durango Herald |
Radar and Satellite Imagery
KGJX radar data throughout the heaviest portion of snowfall on February 22nd. Data visualization courtesy of College of DuPage. | GOES West Infrared data showing the evolution of the low pressure and moisture stream over the southwest USA. Data visualization courtesy of CIRA. | GOES West Water Vapor imagery showing the deep low pressure system moving across the southwest. Data visualization courtesy of CIRA. | Satellite derived snowfall data before and after the event. Data visualization courtesy of NOHRSC. |
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Grand Junction, CO
2844 Aviators Way
Grand Junction, CO 81506-8644
970-243-7007
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