Winter Weather — West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

2025-03-13 to 2025-03-14 · West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

Generally 4 to 10 inches of snow fell across the area with 9 inches reported at McClure Pass. Winds generally gusted in the 45 to 65 mph range at elevations above 11,900 feet with a peak wind gust of 69 mph at Cinnamon Mountain on March 14 at 3:45.

Wider weather episode

A quick moving cold front and shortwave trough moved through eastern Utah and western Colorado, bringing moderate snowfall across most mountain areas of eastern Utah and western Colorado. The higher amounts fell across the mountains of southeast Utah and southwest Colorado due to favorable orographics and better available moisture. In addition, strong winds led to blowing snow across the mountain areas. Light to moderate snowfall fell across some valley locations including portions of the southwest Colorado valley foothills as well as central mountain corridor.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1248527. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.