Winter Weather — Elkhead and Park Mountains, Colorado

2025-01-01 to 2025-01-02 · Elkhead and Park Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

Generally 5 to 12 inches of snow fell across the area, with locally higher amounts up to 15 inches at Zirkel. Peak wind gusts were in the 44 to 49 mph range at Storm Peak Lab.

Wider weather episode

Moisture from an Atmospheric River off the Pacific was carried by a strong upper level jet, leading to moderate snowfall over portions of the northern and central Colorado mountains, including the Elkhead and Park Mountains as well as the Gore and Elk Mountains. Strong winds also lead to blowing snow concerns with favored west to northwest flow favoring the northwest Colorado mountain passes for locally higher amounts above a foot.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1232983. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.