Wet in the Northwest; Storm System Takes Shape in the Southern Plains

A stream of moisture into the Northwest and northern Rockies today will produce locally heavy rain, mountain snow and gusty to high winds. Meanwhile, a storm system will gradually develop across the southern Plains today for heavy to excessive rainfall, possible flooding and isolated strong to severe thunderstorms in portions of Texas, Oklahoma and Arkansas. Read More >

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Overview

A prolonged period of strong northwest flow carried sufficient moisture from a decaying atmospheric river and produced significant snow over the mountains of western Colorado, as well as some northern and central valleys. Snow favored the northwestern and western slopes across the northern and central portions of the forecast area with over 3 feet of snow falling in some areas. Showers began in earnest on Wednesday night, February 5 and into Thursday with heavy snow continuing through Friday before activity diminished Friday night, February 7.

Wind gusts with this storm exceeded 50 MPH, resulting in hazardous travel with reduced visibility in blowing snow. Additionally, snow rates approached 2 inches per hour at times. This severely impacted travel, particularly along I-70 with Vail Pass closing several times throughout the event, often for an extended period of time. Additionally, the heavy snow led to treacherous backcountry conditions and the increased threat for avalanches with the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) having to issue numerous Avalanche Warnings during the event.

Storm Total Snowfall: February 4-7, 2020


Rabbit Ears Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Vail Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)	Gore Pass on February 7, 2020 (Credit: CDOT)

Photos & Video
Storm Reports

Photos & Video

Heavy snow fell across the Upper Yampa River Basin


Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)	Near Oak Creek (Credit: Steve Strickler)