Winter Weather in Grand & Summit Counties Below 9000 Feet, Colorado

The combination of heavy snow and strong winds produced dangerous driving conditions across the North Central Mountains. Near blizzard conditions forced the closure of U.S. Highway 6 at Loveland Pass and U.S. Highway 40 at Berthoud Pass. Blowing and drifting snow had also closed a 65-mile stretch of Interstate 70, between Idaho Springs and Vail Pass. Peak wind gusts included: 68 mph atop Niwot Ridge, 62 mph at Loveland Pass, 55 mph near Blackhawk and Gunsight, and 52 mph at Berthoud Pass.

Storm totals included: 21.5 inches at the Joe Wright and Zirkel SNOTEL sites, 20 inches at Breckenridge Ski Area, 15 inches at Loveland Ski Area, 18 inches at Columbine SNOTEL, 14.5 inches at Lake Irene, Grizzly Park and Willow Park; 14 inches at Copper Mountain, 13 inches at Buffalo Creek SNOTEL and Jones Pass; with 12 inches at Arapahoe Ridge, Jackwacker Gulch and Roach SNOTEL. Storm totals elsewhere ranged from 6 to 10 inches.