Winter Storm — West Jackson & West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet, Colorado

2023-12-01 to 2023-12-03 · West Jackson & West Grand Counties Above 9000 Feet, Colorado

Event narrative

Storm totals included 40.5 inches just northeast of Rabbit Ears Pass, and 18 inches, 11 miles south of Rabbit Ears Pass.

Wider weather episode

A prolonged period of strong winds, and heavy snow occurred across the mountains and higher foothills of northern Colorado. Peak wind gusts to 93 mph were recorded at the NCAR Mesa Lab in the foothills 2 miles south-southwest of Boulder, just ahead of the approaching winter storm. In the Park and Gore Mountain ranges, SNOTEL sites over a 48-hr period, recorded storm totals from 35 to 49 inches! Elsewhere, storm totals from 1 to 2 feet were more common. In addition, extensive blowing snow from strong winds produced dangerous driving conditions over the higher mountain passes. Some of the roads and highways were closed for a time due to the inclement weather. In and near the Front Range Foothills, peak wind gusts included: 93 mph at the NCAR Mesa Lab, 89 mph near Winter Park, 85 mph at the junction of highways 93 and 72, and 76 mph, 2 miles south of Boulder.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1147327. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.