Winter Weather — Central Colorado River Basin, Colorado

2023-02-22 · Central Colorado River Basin, Colorado

Event narrative

Generally 2 to 4 inches of snow fell across the area as winds gusted up to 55 mph at times. A snow squall moved through the area in the evening of the 22nd, dropping visibilities to less than half a mile as winds gusted to 40 mph with the squall at the Eagle Regional Airport. Reduced visibilities and gusty winds were also reported in Basalt.

Wider weather episode

A cold front pushed through western Colorado and produced moderate snow across the central mountains and some valleys. Additionally, gusty winds occurred with winds exceeding 70 mph in the mountains at times and in excess of 60 mph in the valleys, resulting in reduced visibilities. Instability associated with the front led to stronger snow bands along portions of west-central Colorado. As a result, a long-lived snow squall impacted the I-70 corridor from Grand Junction east towards Vail as visibilities dropped to less than one quarter mile.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1074998. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.