Blizzard — Washington County, Colorado

2022-12-13 · Washington County, Colorado

Event narrative

Whiteout conditions with impassable roadways due from blowing and drifting snow. Peak wind gusts up to 62 mph, with storm totals of 4 to 12 inches.

Wider weather episode

Periods of moderate to heavy snowfall developed in the mountains, heaviest north of the I-70 Corridor where storm totals ranged from 8 to 24 inches. Snow and blowing snow reduced the visibilities to zero across much of the Interstate 76 and Interstate 70 corridors east of Denver. Strongest winds gusting from 45 to 65 mph across the plains extended northeast of line from Fort Collins to Limon. The snow and blowing snow caused widespread blizzard conditions. Storm totals ranged from 2 to 10 inches, and produced whiteout conditions and snow drifts from 5 to 10 feet in deep.

Nearly every road across northeast Colorado was closed or shutdown including the I-76 and I-70 corridors east of Denver to the state-line. Dozens of school closures were also implemented. Blowing and drifting snow stranded motorists, with dozens of rescues reported. At Denver International Airport, 116 flights were cancelled and approximately 800 flights delayed. After the snow ended, strong winds and areas of blowing and drifting snow continued through the remainder of the week, which forced some extended road closures.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1068748. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.