DENVER (KDVR) — After an early March snowstorm kicked off the snowiest months of the year for Denver, another round of snow is hitting Colorado, prompting a Pinpoint Weather Alert Day to wrap up the workweek.
The Pinpoint Weather team expects snow to fall in the high country from Wednesday evening through Friday evening, piling up several inches in some areas. Some of the higher snow total estimates are along the Interstate 70 corridor, and roads could be impacted.
Light snow is possible as the storm nears the metro area on Friday, potentially impacting the evening commute.
Denver weather: What to expect as March starts snowiest months of the yearPinpoint Weather Meteorologist Travis Michels said different forecast models show differing expectations, but he has an idea of how the Pinpoint Weather Alert Day issued for Friday evening may impact Coloradans.
Timing: Multi-day storm
The National Weather Service issued a winter storm warning for several mountain areas west of the Continental Divide, lasting from Wednesday evening through 11 p.m. Friday. A winter weather advisory is also issued for areas along the Front Range.
Light snowfall is expected to linger in the mountains through Friday evening, Michels said.
The National Weather Service issued winter weather advisories for several Colorado mountain areas this Friday.Pinpoint Weather Alert Day on March 7The Front Range could see light moisture and possible snow flurries Thursday night, but better chances for snow come Friday afternoon and evening.
This weather pattern makes potholes on Colorado roads worseThe Denver metro area will have a mix of sunny and cloudy skies on Thursday. Michels said there is a chance areas near the city could see a sprinkle or a few snowflakes late Thursday night. Some snowflakes are possible Friday morning, but Michels said the metro area may get another dose later in the afternoon and evening.
Pinpoint Weather 7-day forecast for Denver on March 6The storm wraps up overnight Friday, and sunny skies are expected by Saturday morning. Warmer temperatures move into the state with highs in the 50s on Saturday, 60s on Sunday and nearing 70 degrees on Monday.
Weather data: Highest snow totals, wind gusts recorded in early March storm"This is the roller coaster ride; the changing spring season tends to bring in these quick storms, but as they bring in that moisture, they tend to be a little bit quicker at times too," Michels said.
Totals: These areas could get the most snow
Different forecasting models show different snow totals, so Michels said numbers are subject to change, particularly in areas like Boulder, where totals on different models range from 1-6 inches. Michels said he expects Boulder to get a couple of inches.
Denver is expected to get up to an inch over 24 hours. However, with temperatures above freezing in the metro area on Friday, Michels said snow accumulations would be minimal, if any.
Areas toward the foothills and at higher elevations, like the Palmer Divide, could get a couple of inches of snow. Michels explained that this is because of upslope, a weather pattern in which wind pushes cool air and moisture up into the atmosphere where land elevations rise, causing snowfall.
"This wind is more out of the north, so it's not really good for us to get the moisture in the city, but it is perfect for the Palmer Divide because that just ramps up right as you go south," Michels said.
What is upslope snow, and why is it important for Denver snow storms?The highest totals are expected in the high country. Crested Butte could get 10 inches of snow. Areas along the Interstate 70 corridor, like Vail Pass and Georgetown, are expected to get just over a half a foot of snow. Telluride could see 11 inches of snow, which Michels said is much needed for the drought conditions in the area.
Pinpoint Weather: Statewide forecast on March 8Pinpoint Weather: Metro area snow totals by March 8The NWS storm warning said mountain areas could reach 10-20 inches of snow with locally heavier amounts. Michels explained that those higher totals could be seen at higher elevations, particularly above the treeline. He said skiers can expect a fresh layer of powder once they reach the top of ski lifts, though there may be less snow and more melting toward city centers at lower elevations.
Impacts: Snowy roads, traffic delays possible
Not much snow is expected to accumulate in Denver, but the storm will drop temperatures in the city about 15 degrees. Winds will make the city feel even cooler, as Michels said gusts of 20 mph are possible on Friday.
"Most of the models show a little bit more moisture later. So, we'll get some rain briefly, it dries out, kind of feel like what we had this last storm, then some flakes maybe fly through the morning. Nothing's gonna stick, it's all gonna melt for the most part. You might find a slick spot here or there," Michels said.
Detours around I-70 and Eisenhower-Johnson Memorial TunnelAny accumulations that could make roads dicey would be at higher elevations, like the foothills and the Palmer Divide. Michels said temperatures will drop quickly when the sun goes down, and bridges and overpasses in these areas could cause issues for the Thursday evening commute.
Meanwhile, Michels expects the snow and traffic to impact roads in the high country, especially on Friday evening. He said Coloradans looking to hit the slopes should prepare for possibly slick roads and traffic delays on I-70 on Friday.
The NWS said roads, particularly bridges and overpasses, will likely be slick and could make travel difficult. Additionally, winds could gust up to 45 mph, making travel difficult and possibly causing tree damage.
Impacts on I-70 could linger early Saturday morning ahead of sunshine and warmer temperatures throughout the day.
The NWS also issued an Avalanche Watch, in effect from 5 p.m. Thursday to 5 p.m. Friday. The NWS said avalanche danger is expected to rise to high (level 4 of 5), and avalanches can be easily triggered once snow accumulates in areas like the Elkhead Mountains, the Flat Tops, Grand Mesa, West Elk and Elk Mountains, and the northwest San Juan Mountains.
The Colorado Avalanche Information Center expects high and considerable avalanche danger in several high country areas.
"Outdoor recreation could become life threatening to those caught unprepared for severe winter conditions. Hikers and snowmobilers may easily become disoriented. Frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly," the NWS storm warning states.
The Pinpoint Weather team will be tracking this storm and providing updates as details become clearer ahead of the storm.
Denver, Colorado weather resources
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Interactive Denver weather radar Colorado weather alerts Business, church and school closings Weather newsletters FOX31 News appThe Pinpoint Weather team will continue to update the forecast multiple times each day.
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