A five-day snow event has kicked off in Colorado’s high country, starting on Valentine’s Day Friday, with heavy snow and significant accumulations expected in all three mountain zones across the state. Beginning after sunset on Thursday, the snowfall has been intense in areas near Powderhorn, Purgatory, Aspen/Snowmass, and Telluride.
The snow is forecast to continue through the weekend, with heavier snowfall in the northern mountains. Additional snowfall on Monday and Tuesday is expected to further increase Colorado’s snowpack, especially in the southern mountains. The Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) has issued a HIGH avalanche danger warning for the upcoming holiday weekend, advising backcountry travelers to plan accordingly. February is historically the deadliest month for avalanches in Colorado, with the period between Valentine’s Day and President’s Day being particularly dangerous.
Over the weekend, snowfall is expected to accumulate in all three mountain zones, with up to 26 inches in the northern mountains, 32 inches in the central mountains, and 30 inches in the southern mountains. Long-term forecasts suggest the snowfall could continue into Tuesday, with possible additional accumulations of 3-5 inches by Wednesday morning. Ski resorts in Colorado have reported varying amounts of snowfall, with some areas receiving as much as 15-18 inches in the last 24 hours. The possibility of more snow later in the week is also being monitored.
