Winter Weather — West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

2025-03-21 to 2025-03-22 · West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

Event narrative

Generally 5 to 10 inches of snow fell across the area with 10.5 inches of snow reported at Crested Butte 6.2 N. Winds generally gusted in the 45 to 55 mph range at elevations above 11,900 feet with a peak wind gust of 58 mph at Irwin Guides Ridge Top.

Wider weather episode

A shortwave trough moved across northwest Colorado, bringing light to moderate snowfall across the northern and central divide mountains of western Colorado in addition to strong winds leading to areas of blowing snow.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1248853. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.